Ash Barty Don’t Carry Regret From Her Time in Tennis, But Freely Admit She Would Have Loved One More Crack at Playing Serena Williams
Ash Barty Don’t Carry Regret From Her Time in Tennis, But Freely Admit She Would Have Loved One More Crack at Playing Serena Williams
Ash Barty may have shocked the sporting world when she announced her retirement from professional tennis in 2022, but the former world No. 1 insists she has no regrets about walking away at the height of her career. The Australian champion, who captured three Grand Slam titles, has often spoken about finding peace and fulfillment outside the game, embracing family life and new ventures.
Yet, in a recent reflection, Barty admitted there is one match-up she wishes she could have experienced again: a final showdown with Serena Williams. The American legend, widely considered one of the greatest players in history, was a formidable presence throughout Barty’s rise. Although the two met on court, Barty confessed the idea of one more battle with Williams still lingers as a “what if” moment in her career.
Despite that small yearning, Barty remains content with her choices. “I left on my terms, and that’s all I ever wanted,” she said. The thought of playing Williams again isn’t a regret, but rather a mark of respect for a champion she admired. For Barty, her legacy is not defined by what could have been, but by the joy she found in both tennis and life after it.
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