She’s known for keeping things close to the chest, but Ash Barty just let her guard down—and fans are feeling all the emotions.
In a rare interview this week, the former world No. 1 opened up about her life since leaving the sport, sharing heartfelt insights about everything from motherhood to mental health. And let’s just say… people weren’t ready for how raw and real she got.
“I’ve never been happier,” Ash said, smiling in a way that told you she meant it. Since welcoming her first child last year, the tennis star has shifted her focus entirely. “There’s no trophy that compares to watching him smile.”
It wasn’t all sunshine, though. Ash admitted the transition from athlete to everyday life wasn’t as smooth as she expected. “I struggled with my identity,” she confessed. “You go from being ‘Ash Barty the tennis player’ to… what? It takes time.”
She also addressed the pressure she felt near the end of her career—the expectations, the scrutiny, the nonstop schedule. “I loved the game, but I didn’t love the noise.”
Fans have praised her honesty, calling her “brave,” “relatable,” and “a true role model.” Social media lit up with support, with many saying they’ve never admired her more.
Ash may have left tennis, but she’s still leading in a much bigger game: life. And if this new chapter is anything like her last, we’re all in for something special.
