Ash Barty has laughed off the prospect of a tennis return, content material in motherhood and unswayed by good buddy Caroline Wozniacki’s personal feel-good comeback story.
Australia’s former world No.1 and three-time main winner spoke to media on Friday to endorse the return of the Brisbane International as a standalone occasion to kickstart the tennis season.
Fresh off a dominant Australian Open win, Barty shocked together with her sudden retirement in March final 12 months.
Asked if she had itchy ft, the 27-year-old rapidly shut down discuss of a return after the beginning of son Hayden in July.
“I don’t have the time to train, prepare and have so many good memories on this court and I get to create new ones now,” she mentioned whereas fellow former No.1 Pat Rafter stood alongside her on the Queensland Tennis Centre.
“Certainly not. Pat might be more likely than me (to make a comeback).”
Danish champion Wozniacki retired in 2020 and had two youngsters earlier than bursting again onto the scene as a 33-year-old with a run to the fourth spherical on the US Open this month.
She beat Petra Kvitova alongside the best way and was solely stopped in three tight units by eventual champion Coco Gauff, 14 years her junior.
Barty watched with curiosity however mentioned it did not stir something inside her.
“I’m not coming back,” she mentioned with a smile.
“I was really happy for Caro; a dear friend of mind and seeing her back doing what she loves is awesome.
“She has a few children a bit older than Hayden however I’m not coming again, no.”
In Barty’s absence the Australian women’s contingent has thinned, long-time injuries to high-class pair Daria Saville and Ajla Tomljanovic meaning there are no Australians in the top-100.
“There’s a lot coming by and it takes time to know the way you suppose you’ll be able to slot in, develop into your self,” Barty mentioned.
“I’m excited for the subsequent 5 or 10 years to see the place they’ll get to.”
Barty’s former sparring partner Aryna Sabalenka overtook Iga Swiatek as world No.1 following her runner-up effort at Flushing Meadows.
“The recreation’s tailored, it is grown; there’s extra of a mix within the high 10 of ladies that may use totally different kinds, go to plan B and C to adapt,” Barty assessed.
“Big hitters like Aryna are doing nicely, others are utilizing aptitude like Ons (Jabeur) and Iga.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
