‘I’m Fitting Into a 12-Year-Old’s Costume’ – Ash Barty Helps Raise Awareness at 2022 Big Freeze

Ash Barty has retired from tennis but is in good spirits post-retirement. The 26-year-old retired from tennis after winning the Australian Open in Melbourne this year. However, the multi-talented athlete is now keeping herself busy in a unique way.

Barty was present at the AFL’s Big Freeze with Hamish Blake and Justin Langer to raise over 2 million dollars. The event has been started by AFL legend Neale Daniher in 2015.

Ash Barty takes a plunge at the Big Freeze

Barty joined other Aussie stars in helping raise money towards the rare motor neuron disease. Daniher was diagnosed with MND in 2013 and has put all efforts into helping the cause ever since. Barty went down the slide in the icy water dressed as Rafiki from The Lion King.

After the plunge, Barty was all smiles after helping the cause. She said, “I’m a child. I’m an absolute child and turns out they don’t make adult costumes to be Rafiki, so I’m fitting into a 12-year-old’s costume.”

“I hope I performed better on the tennis court! Neale is an incredible man and bringing awareness to this beast is important. I hope we can do our thing … get behind it, put your beanie on and what a day,” she added.

Barty stunned the world after announcing her retirement in a video with her friend Casey Dellacqua. The Australian ended her career winning her final slam at home on Rod Laver Arena.

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Barty will receive the huge distinction of the Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). A three-time Grand Slam winner, Barty also stayed atop the women’s rankings before calling it a day. She has also won 15 career titles, while beating some of the best names in tennis. The Australian almost spent a decade on the professional tour.

Now, she has been replaced by Iga Swiatek, who also claimed the next Grand Slam at Roland Garros. Will Barty ever return to the sport? Will she succeed in a career elsewhere? We’ll wait and see.