Australian tennis great Ash Barty speaks ahead of her Wimbledon ...
Australian tennis great Ash Barty has returned to play at Wimbledon for the first time since winning the title.
![Ash Barty - Figure 1](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-15209597/c063747c0a16442394b5baa4de364a2a27da1fb4.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
The 28-year-old fulfilled her childhood dream at the All England Club in 2021 and retired after taking out the Australian Open in 2022.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Ash Barty speaks to Hugh Whitfeld ahead of Wimbledon return
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Barty will also return to the grand slam as a commentator before she joins the Invitational Doubles draw with close friend and former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua.
It’s a decision the former world No.1 said was “very easy” to make.
Barty holds the victory trophy at Wimbledon in 2021. Credit: Yomiuri/APAsh Barty speaks to 7NEWS Europe Bureau Chief Hugh Whitfeld ahead of her Wimbledon return. Credit: 7NEWS“The tournament invites you to play on one of the best courts in the world and I get an opportunity to play with my best mate - who would say no?” she told 7NEWS Europe Bureau Chief Hugh Whitfeld from Wimbledon on Monday.
![Ash Barty - Figure 2](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-15209597/efec4ddd91744b23f97998004dbabf0e33267a94.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
“It was a strange feeling walking through the gates again because it wasn’t memories that came up - the forehands or backhands or serves or the match point, it was the emotions that came with that moment.
“It’ll always be a massive part of my life.”
When asked whether she would make a permanent return to the court any time soon, her answer was simple.
“Not for me, I’m very happy,” she said.
“I’ve had the most fulfilling journey in my career as a tennis player and now I’m just beginning that journey as a mum.”
Barty (centre) is seen with her baby Hayden. Credit: DE SS/AAPIMAGEBarty admitted she had only picked up a racquet less than a dozen times since her retirement more than two years ago and the birth of her son Hayden in July 2023.
![Ash Barty - Figure 3](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-15209597/ae0ad3f95be13e4f3260a5ec424fbc47b411139e.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
“I’ve obviously been very busy with the next chapter of my life and have been loving every minute... but I’m excited to spend a bit of time on the court to try and just have some fun,” she said.
“So a bit rusty coming in but looking forward to it.”
Wimbledon’s Legends tournament is played in a round-robin format featuring eight pairs spread across two groups, with the two top-placed teams progressing to the final.
Each pair will share in a guaranteed £24,000 ($A45,800) payday with runners-up receiving an extra £4000 ($A7600), while the champions will receive a total of £35,000 ($A64,800).
Barty and Dellacqua made three grand slam finals together including the final at Wimbledon in 2013.