Ash Barty has delighted tennis followers and kids with a return to Melbourne Park to launch First Nations Day on the Australian Open.
A yr after breaking the nation’s near-half-century Australian Open singles title drought, Barty was again – not on Rod Laver Arena however the neighbouring Margaret Court Arena, hitting with the First Nations ballkid squad.
With no top-100-ranked locals within the 2023 Open singles attracts, officers would have beloved to have had Barty defending her crown.
Alas, the retired champion is blissfully pregnant and awaiting the delivery of her first little one this yr with golfer-husband Garry Kissick.
The 26-year-old former world No.1 was satisfied to be again on the scene of her momentous remaining conquer American Danielle Collins 12 months in the past.
Barty was joined by her idol and mentor Evonne Goolagong Cawley to launch First Nations Day at Melbourne Park, a celebration of Indigenous artwork, tradition and sport.
“It’s so nice to be back here again,” stated Barty, a proud Ngarigo lady.
“To see plenty of good kids coming out, kids from all over the country.
“A day like right this moment brings folks collectively and I’m joyful to be right here again on court docket hitting with yellow fluffy balls. It is few and much between today.”
Goolagong Cawley, also a former world No.1 and a Wiradjuri woman, famously presented Barty with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup on RLA last year.
Now mentoring Gold Coast prodigy Olivia Gadecki, Barty will little question be a eager observer when the 20-year-old wildcard performs Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk within the Open’s second spherical afterward Wednesday.
