Ash Barty makes feelings clear on Serena Williams retirement U-turn after becoming a mum

Caroline Wozniacki’s return to professional tennis after becoming a mother has delighted her old friend Ash Barty, but the Australian insists that she has no intention of following her lead.

Three-time Grand Slam winner Barty pulled a surprise when she announced her retirement from the game in March 2022 at the age of 26, becoming only the second player ever to quit the sport whilst being world No 1, after Justine Henin.

She has since married Australian golfer Garry Kissick and gave birth to their son in July this year. Wozniacki returned to the WTA Tour this summer after a two-year hiatus, during which she gave birth to two children.

She reached the fourth round of the US Open this month to much acclaim but was defeated by eventual champion Coco Gauff. The Dane’s return mirrors that of all-time great Serena Williams, who rejoined the tour after having her first child, but although Barty was delighted to see he old friend back out on the court, she is more than content to concentrate on motherhood.

Speaking at a celebration event marking the return of the Brisbane International at the Queensland Tennis Centre, alongside fellow Oz tennis legend Pat Rafter, Barty said: “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. Certainly not. Pat might be more likely than me (to make a comeback).”