‘The band is back together’: The special reason behind Ash Barty’s Wimbledon comeback

Former World Number One Ashleigh Barty has announced a shock return to tennis, just two years after the Australian sensationally retired after winning her third Grand Slam title.

Barty, then 25, made the stunning announcement after winning the Australian Open women’s final in January 2022, saying she was leaving to "chase other dreams", as reported at the time by the BBC.

‘Other dreams’ seem to now include a return to Wimbledon, the tournament in which she won her second Grand Slam.

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But this time Barty has her sights set on a different title – the doubles! And the now 28-year-old will be looking to do it with a close friend, former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua.

Barty and Dellacqua have a history of success together, having reached three grand slam finals, including the Wimbledon final in 2013 when Barty was just 15 years old.

"I can announce that the band's back together, ABCD," Dellacqua said on radio program the Australian Open Show, referring to their initials.

"This is why I love tennis, because it doesn't matter at what level, I get an opportunity to play with my best mate who, yes, is an extremely good player and has won the championships before."

'We're just gonna have a great time and enjoy just being back together as friends on a tennis court, which we have loved to do our whole life… I'm actually really excited about it.'

Since retiring, Barty has spent most of her time off focusing on being a mother after giving birth to her son Hayden in July 2023.

There was speculation Barty was to dedicate her time to golf, something which the young star has shown considerable prowess, but so far has only competed in one tournament, a New Zealand Open pro-am event.

Dellacqua has also become a mother since the pair last played together, so it’s fair to say while the duo have other priorities in life, their love of tennis remains.

"The tennis is always there. And that's what kind of is the glue that brought us together. So we're really lucky," Dellacqua told the AO show.

The pair will not be the only mothers competing at this year’s Wimbledon, with Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki (pictured) securing wildcard spots for the grass event, which takes place next month.

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