Ashleigh Barty’s decision to bid adieu to competitive tennis came as a huge surprise to the entire tennis community. After moving away from the women’s circuit, the former Australian tennis player has ardently pursued her “other dreams”, and now has embraced motherhood. The former tennis ace recently announced the delightful news of the birth of his son with her partner, Garry Kissick.
Even though the 27-year-old has now embarked on a new journey, her absence was noticeable on the court since her retirement. Notably, her old rival and friend, Ons Jabeur is touting her to make a return to the WTA Tour following the birth of her first child. The Tunisian tennis star is really hoping that the former Wimbledon champion will follow in the footsteps of Caroline Wozniacki who has recently announced her return to the court after embracing motherhood.
Ons Jabeur touts Ashleigh Barty to make a ‘Caroline Wozniacki-like return’ to the court
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After her incredible first-round victory at the Wimbledon Championships, the 28-year-old player was featured in a post-match press conference, in which she was asked about Ashleigh Barty’s news. Ons Jabeur answered by saying that she is delighted that the former Australian Open champion has now embarked on a new journey of motherhood.
The Tunisian tennis star added that she is sure Barty is enjoying the parental role now than competing in the women’s circuit. However, the former World No. 2 player also asserted that the former tennis ace’s presence on the court has been sorely missed by the entire tennis community.
Jabeur is further hoping that the former Wimbledon champion will make a comeback, drawing inspiration from Caroline Wozniacki who will be returning to the WTA Tour next season. According to Tennis.com, she said, “I hope that she will change her mind like [Caroline] Wozniacki and comes back maybe in one or two years.”
Making a return to the court after embracing motherhood isn’t something new in the women’s circuit. Apart from Wozniacki, there is another prominent figure in the tennis realm who made a similar return.
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Another WTA superstar made a return to the court after the birth of her child
After her 2017 Australian Open triumph, Serena Williams welcomed her first child with her partner, Alexis Ohanian. A few months after having Olympia, the American tennis legend was back on the court as she marked her participation at various tournaments including Grand Slam events. Ever since the ‘Queen of the Court’ has ardently followed her parental duties for her little daughter.
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Do you think Barty will also make a return to the court like Wozniacki? Let us know in the comments section.
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