The Australian summer has a special spot in Ashleigh Barty's heart and the former World No. 1 had an unforgettable day at the Brisbane International.
This week, Barty returned to the Queensland Tennis Centre to remind herself of a time and a place with fond memories. She picked up her first tennis racket at age 4 in Brisbane and made her WTA main draw debut in doubles at the Brisbane International in 2012.
As a proud Queenslander, Barty believes she achieved what she set out to do in 2022 when she shockingly retired from the sport at the peak of her powers. Having just won her home major at the Australian Open, it was the most glorious way to bow out.
Yet, Barty has not been out of touch with proceedings on a tennis court, having admitted she'll never stop loving tennis. But despite constant invocation from tennis fans to perform a career U-turn and join a growing list of returning mothers on the WTA tour who have exceeded expectations in their second coming, Barty has dismissed coming out of retirement.
It has to be noted that Barty started a family with her current husband and long-term love, Garry Kissick, with the two exchanging their wedding vows in July 2022 and welcoming their first child exactly a year later.
So when Barty returned to the place where her tennis journey began, she did not come alone. Her mother, Josie, accompanied her, as did her five-month-old son Hayden, who was spotted taking in all the action from Tuesday's schedule during the evening session.
On Thursday, Barty was given a warm reception when she attended the facilities within Brisbane International. Barty lavished praise on all the drivers at the site for driving players to and from the Queensland Tennis Centre.
There was also a special bonding session with the ball kids, where Barty promised to return every year for the tournament. This year, Brisbane International has returned to the calendar for the first time since 2020 (since 2019 for the men's edition).
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