Ashleigh Barty: How Husband’s Aversion for Tennis Helped the WTA Legend to Fall In Love and Get Married

Back in 2022, Australian tennis star, Ashleigh Barty, stunned one and all with her retirement decision. At the peak of her career, Barty, through her social media handles, announced the shocking decision to call it quits on tennis. She was fresh off from winning the Australian Open title that year and in the best phase of her professional life. However, she cited that she fulfilled her professional dreams and wanted to focus on her personal life more. Another major factor in her decision to retire was her husband, Garry Kissick.

The duo met in 2016 and tied the knot six years later after Barty’s retirement. Although Kissick was himself an athlete and played golf, he wasn’t fond of tennis despite loving other sports. During an interview with Vogue, Barty narrated how alien Kissick was to the racquet sport before they met, which eventually became a major factor in her retirement decision.

Barty revealed, “When we met he didn’t know a lot about tennis. He’s kind of been thrown in the very deep end in understanding what the tour is like and how much we’re apart … [But] he’s the best person to have around in the sense of switching off from tennis and being able to bring the fun and laughter when we are training and not be so serious all the time.”

Despite Kissick’s interests being away from tennis, he supported Barty wholeheartedly in her career. The two celebrated Barty’s successes together and teh golfer even attended her matches to cheer for her. However, when the two were ready to take the next step in their personal life and tie the knot, Barty felt that it was the right time for her to step away from the sport.

But lately, comeback questions have erupted as Barty made a return to Wimbledon.

Is Ashleigh Barty making a comeback to tennis?

Earlier this month, Barty received an invitation to participate in the legend’s event at the ongoing Wimbledon Championships. It will mark the first time since early 2022 that fans will see the Australian star in action on the court. Further, Barty is just 28 years old and questions erupted whether she’ll make a professional return 2 years after retiring.

However, she clarified later that she’ll only play the invitational events and has no plans of making a U-turn on her retirement. Barty revealed to Channel 9, “No this is the comeback, this is the only comeback. For an exhibition, for fun, for enjoyment, to entertain people who are at Wimbledon and to enjoy the whole event. They are there obviously to watch the best players in the world go about their business and see who the champion will be, but I am excited to play a very small part in it.”

Barty will pair up with Casey Dellacqua in the women’s legends doubles event at Wimbledon. It’ll be interesting to see the two good friends pair up and light up the tournament.