Ashleigh Barty's latest post-tennis career move entailed launching her own foundation, which she announced during Australian Open week.
The retired Australian tennis star has always been passionate about forging change in society and influencing the newer generation, which is centered around the Australian youth. She envisioned bringing that idea to life ever since she was playing on the WTA Tour.
Barty is considered among the greatest Australian tennis players of her generation. She won three Grand Slams in a short playing career that abruptly ended at 25. She was ranked World No. 1 at the time of her shocking retirement from the sport and had just won the 2022 Australian Open.
Barty earned over $20 million in prize money (ranking among the top 20 in career earnings on the women's tour) during her tennis career and won 15 WTA titles overall. Despite the constant temptation from media and friends about returning to the tour as a mother, Barty has denied taking that call.
The Ash Barty Foundation will preserve and continue to build on where Barty left off during her playing career. As the mantra on the official website suggests, the foundation will collaborate with partners and organizations who share a common goal of inspiring communities and young people.
This will be achieved by supporting education and sporting initiatives through the provision of grants, program support, and donations. During the launch of her foundation, Barty expressed her delight and excitement about this new chapter in her life, which she has dedicated her time and effort to make happen.
"I’m so excited. I’ve been waiting for this day to come, to finally launch my foundation with my team. Our purpose is to provide opportunity to young boys and girls through sport and education — two of my biggest passion pieces. Now, being able to bring it all together is really exciting."
"Our goal is to help as many young Australians as possible to make sure that the quality is there, that the money is being used in the right way. I don’t want to put a goal or an expectation or a ceiling on where we go. To be honest, I’m not sure where we’ll end up yet."
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