What is Ash Barty doing now? Former Australian Open champion busy in tennis retirement

Joshua Mayne

What is Ash Barty doing now? Former Australian Open champion busy in tennis retirement image

Ash Barty stunned the tennis world when she announced her retirement from the sport in March 2022, just months after her maiden Australian Open triumph.

Now, it's been over two years since the 27-year-old last featured on the court.

The Sporting News takes a look at what Barty has been up to since farewelling tennis.

MORE: Who are the highest-ranked Aussie tennis players? 

Marries partner and gives birth to first son

Barty married partner Garry Kissick in July 2022.

The pair tied the knot at a private ceremony in Queensland, Australia.

The couple then announced the birth of their first child one year later.

"Our beautiful boy ❤️ Welcome to the world, Hayden!" the pair wrote on Instagram.

Lands corporate and community ambassador roles

Barty has continued in her role as Tennis Australia's National Indigenous Tennis Ambassador since her retirement.

She uses her status in the sport to encourage more Indigenous youth to play tennis while providing opportunities for them to explore their passion.

In August 2022, she was named as Optus' new 'Chief of Inspiration'.

Barty remains in the ambassadorial role with the telecommunications company, working alongside 'Chief of Optimism' and Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo.

"It’s very humbling that my story has inspired so many people, but the reality is there are millions of everyday Australians who have the courage and commitment to say ‘yes’ just like I did," Barty said via an Optus statement.

"I welcome the opportunity to encourage more people to say yes to the things they love."

Releases tennis memoir and children's books

Barty released her tennis memoir titled 'My Dream Time' in November 2022. 

The book offers a reflection on her journey to the top of tennis.

That same year, she published a six-book children's book series – 'Little Ash'.

Barty – a Ngarigo woman – worked alongside Kulkalgal co-author Jasmin McGaughey and Gamilaraay artist Jade Goodwin to create the books.

Continues to win sporting tournaments

Shortly after her retirement, Barty made headlines when she won a local golf tournament.

She finished two shots clear of her nearest competitor to win the ladies' golf championship at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club in Queensland.

The former tennis star took home a modest $30 for her triumph.

Despite her natural competitiveness and tendency to win, Barty stressed at the time she had no plans to play sport professionally again. 

Set for Wimbledon return

After a historic victory in the 2021 women's singles tournament, Barty will return to the All England Club in 2024.

Wimbledon organisers announced Barty has signed up for the invitational doubles tournament, which typically features retired tennis stars and celebrities.

Barty's doubles partner and opponents have not yet been revealed.

She is set to feature during the second week of the tournament after the main singles draws have thinned out.

The Australian will also be part of the BBC's broadcast team at Wimbledon this year.

Joshua Mayne

Joshua Mayne Photo

Joshua Mayne is a content producer for The Sporting News Australia based in Sydney, Australia. He has previously worked as a newsreader at 2SER and journalist at Ministry of Sport. While Joshua’s main passions are football, rugby league, basketball and F1, he will watch any sport that's on. He is still waiting for Arsenal to win the Premier League again.