Officials of Wimbledon revealed that Ash Barty, who stunned the tennis world by announcing her retirement from the sport in 2022, will play in an exhibition doubles match at the tournament.
Barty made her surprise announcement two months after she won her third Australian Open title.
Despite her recent retirement, Barty has maintained that she’s happy with her life after having her son Hayden.
She was reportedly persuaded to play a doubles match at the All England Club.
Barty, who was previously confirmed as a commentator, will be participating in the event on June 25.
The event, which will be held on July 9, will feature a mixed doubles and women’s doubles match.
It will also feature a men’s and a mixed doubles competition. In a statement, Wimbledon noted that Barty’s participation is a great addition to the event.
The tournament had been without an Australian women’s tennis champion for over 40 years.
Barty’s victory at the Australian Open ended that drought.
Before Barty broke through, the last Australian woman to successfully defend her title was Cawley.
Barty was able to do so in 2019 after she won the French Open. She was the first woman from the country to successfully defend a grand slam title in 46 years.
Then, in 2022, Barty won her home grand slam before calling it quits.