Wimbledon champion Ashleigh Barty is now retired from the sport. However, her former coach, Craig Tyzzer, indicated she used her status to try and influence the schedule at this year's event at SW19.
It is nearly 12 months since Barty defeated Karolina Pliskova in three sets to achieve her childhood dream of winning the Wimbledon title. The match was incredible, and both women were emotional for different reasons after it.
After securing the Australian Open title at the start of the year, many expected Barty to claim several more Grand Slams, but she shocked the world in March by announcing her retirement at the age of 25 while still the world No. 1.
Due to the cancellation of Wimbledon in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Halep was the last champion before Barty. She memorably crushed Serena Williams 6-2, 6-2 in the 2019 final with a fantastic performance.
Unfortunately, in 2021, Halep was unable to play the first women's match on Centre Court due to an injury. Barty, the world No. 1 at the time, took the Romanian's place and went on to win the tournament.
Barty's absence has created a debate about who should play the first women's match on Centre Court. Halep's former coach, Darren Cahill, said she should receive the honour on social media.
"This should be Simona Halep. Covid wiped out the 2020 championships & unable to play last year due to injury so Ash Barty was given the honor. With Ash retired, the privilege and honor should go back to Simo. She has earned it as 2019 champ."
Tyzzer replied directly to Cahill's post. Not only did he agree with Cahill, but he also strongly hinted that Barty had requested Halep to be given the first match in her place, which is a beautiful gesture by the Australian.
"Totally agree Killer and I think someone may have already requested it."
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