A few days back, the former World Number 1, Ash Barty, was spotted enjoying tennis from the stands. She was among the spectators at the Brisbane International, alongside her mother and five-month-old son. As a result, she sparked comeback rumors, with many fans signaling on social media that the 3-time Grand Slam champion will make a shock return to the sport. Recently, another former World Number 1, Victoria Azarenka, revealed her views surrounding Barty’s comeback.

Azarenka is in Australia where she is participating in the Brisbane International. Earlier today, she had a thumping victory over Jelena Ostapenko in the quarterfinals. Let’s find out what Azarenka had to say about Barty.

Victoria Azarenka dismisses the comeback rumors surrounding Ash Barty

During the post-match interview, the Belarusian tennis star was asked if Ash Barty would make a comeback to the sport. However, she was quick to put those rumors to rest.

Replying to the question, Azarenka said, “Absolutely not. When she announced her retirement it was so shocking for the world. For me it wasn’t that shocking. She’s a tennis player, but she’s a bigger person. She just wants to have a normal life… I’m really happy to see her happy.”

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A native Queenslander, Barty started playing tennis at the age of just four in Brisbane. Additionally, her WTA debut was at the very same tournament, the Brisbane International, when she played doubles in 2012.

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In 2022, the Australian star announced her shock retirement from tennis. She won the Australian Open earlier that year but called it quits soon after, citing that she wanted to focus on her personal life and spend quality time with her family. However, last year, she made a comeback to tennis in a different role.

Barty returned as a mentor

During the 2023 Australian Open, the former World Number 1 made a return to the sport as a mentor of compatriot, Olivia Gadecki. The latter entered the tournament as a wildcard and had the experience of Barty alongside her. Subsequently, Gadecki revealed how fortunate she was to receive Barty’s assistance.

She said, “I’ve been really fortunate to always be able to contact her if I have any questions or if I need advice. She has always been there for me. The best part is she just treats me like a normal person and we can relate in that regard and off court is just as important as on court.”

Gadecki made it to the second round at the Australian Open that year. While Barty already has made tennis comeback in some capacity, her fans will be wishing that she returns as a player. However, for now, Barty is happily retired, and spending quality time with her family, while enjoying tennis from the stands.

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