Brutally honest Ash Barty reveals recent Wimbledon snub

The Aussie champion, who finished her career in style by winning this year’s Australian Open, isn’t missing the sport she dominated as World No. 1, not even tuning in to last weekend’s Wimbledon finals.

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Barty admitted she struggled for motivation after completing a childhood dream by winning Wimbledon last year and she had no interest in keeping an eye on who would claim the 2022 title in her absence.

“I didn’t watch this year’s Wimbledon finals,” Barty told The Guardian. “Sorry to disappoint.

“Obviously I was rapt for Ons (Jabeur) and Elena (Rybakina), who are both brilliant girls. And it was obviously awesome to see Nick, who I’ve known for over a dozen years, get to the final.

“But since retiring I’ve probably watched as many matches as I did when I was playing, which was slim to none. Occasionally we’ll have it on as background noise but it’s very seldom that I’ll sit down and watch a match from start to end with any interest.

“I hit enough tennis balls in my life. I don’t need to see others hitting them as well.

“I’ve no regrets about retiring. Not one. I knew it was the right time for me. It was what I wanted to do. And I know that a lot of people may still not understand it. But I hope they respect that in the sense that it was my decision.

“It’s been incredible. It’s been everything that I’ve ever wanted.”

For the record, Rybakina defeated Jabeur in three sets to claim her first grand slam trophy.

When Barty departed tennis, there were questions asked about the impact it would have on the women’s game — specifically the depth and amount of genuine contenders at the pointy end of the WTA tour.

Some critics suggested the Queenslander’s exit would harm already-depleted stocks, but others rejected that concern — and so too does Barty.

“Iga (Swiatek, the new World No. 1) is an incredible talent, an exceptional human and a lovely girl,” Barty said. “I love her and her team, and I couldn’t be more proud that she took over the No 1 position, because she plays the sport in the right way and has so much energy and charisma.

“But the depth in women’s tennis at the moment is great too. We’ve come from having one or two players dominating to there being more unpredictability. And that’s not because the tour is weak. In fact, it’s because the tour is so strong.

“Everyone in that top 40 to 50 bracket is so exceptionally good that week to week they could all be top‑10 players.”

Since her retirement, speculation has raged about Barty’s next career move. She’s working on illustrated children’s books and there have also been suggestions she may have a tilt at professional golf.

The 26-year-old has been at St Andrews, walking the fairways of the famous Links ahead of The Open, which kicks off this week. Barty also played a starring role at the recent Icons Golf Series, which pitted teams of US and international sporting stars from all codes against each other in a brand new event.

Barty showed as much talent on the fairways and greens as she did on the tennis court, but is adamant golf is purely a hobby.

“Golf is a hobby and it always will be,” Barty told The Guardian. “I know what it takes to get to the very top of any sport, and I don’t have the desire or want to do the work required.

“And to be honest, I play golf for a good time and to have a good walk with people who I love. If I shoot a 70 or shoot a 100 it doesn’t matter to me.”

Originally published as Brutally honest Ash Barty reveals recent Wimbledon snub