Wimbledon champion wanted to retire on the spot and drop bombshell at SW19 - EXCLUSIVE
EXCLUSIVE: Ash Barty made a surprising revelation about her Wimbledon victory.
Ash Barty has revealed that she was planning to retire after winning Wimbledon in 2021.
The Australian decided to play for eight more months and won the Australian Open in that time, ending her career when she was the world No. 1.
But Barty dropped a bombshell as she exclusively told Express Sport what stopped her from hanging up her racket as soon as she lifted the Venus Rosewater Dish on Centre Court.
Related articles
The 28-year-old is back at the All England Club for the first time since she became the women’s singles champion three years ago. Barty has joined the BBC’s team as a pundit and commentator, and will join forces with her old partner Casey Dellacqua in the invitational doubles.
The 15-time title winner’s retirement is still one of the biggest shocks in recent tennis history. Barty started 2022 by winning the Adelaide International and her third Slam at the Australian Open. She didn’t play again and, in March, announced that her career was ending with immediate effect.
But Barty has now confessed that she would have stopped playing after winning Wimbledon in 2021 had it not been for the delayed Tokyo Olympics. “Winning Wimbledon was my childhood dream,” she told Express Sport.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“Not many people are lucky enough to live out their dream but that day in 2021 was the most special moment of my career. When I achieved that dream, I felt content with my tennis career.”
By choosing to stick around for a few more months, Barty managed to win her local Grand Slam before retiring, ending Australia’s 44-year wait for a homegrown singles champion. She continued: “If it hadn’t been for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, I may have retired after Wimbledon.
“But I’m very glad I didn’t as the Australian Open win in 2022 was incredible and a chance for my whole family and team to celebrate together.”
Don't miss...
Alcaraz pays tribute to Bellingham as he explains copying England star [REACTION]
Emma Raducanu explains how Carlos Alcaraz is helping as she eyes Wimbledon glory [QUOTES]
Wimbledon star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard played role in Grand Slam alcohol ban [RECAP]
Now back at Wimbledon for the first time since retiring, the former world No. 1 has also been busy away from the All England Club. Ahead of the wider rollout of Tim Tams in the UK, she took to Wimbledon Piazza and King’s Cross to hand out free biscuits.
Australians have been spoiled with the coated chocolate snacks for years and the three-time Grand Slam champion is eager for Brits to get the opportunity to enjoy them. “I’d like them to know that Tim Tam is the best chocolate biscuit in the world! I know we have a lot of great rivalries with the Brits, but the chocolate biscuit award goes to the Aussies,” she added.