The Australian Open champion, Ashleigh Barty, was considered one of the most talented and promising tennis players during her career. Barty won 3 singles Grand Slam titles with her dominating performances on the tennis court. However, according to her recent interview, the former world no.1 also faced some hardships, particularly in the form of racism.

Notably, Barty recently revealed that she was a victim of racism because of her indigenous lineage. She further stated that her family background also attracted harsh comments from many of her fans. The former Wimbledon champion added that she found out about her background through her father.

Ashleigh Barty talked about dealing with harsh and unfair criticism

After moving away from tennis, Ashleigh Barty recently made a shocking revelation about facing racism during her journey. In her autobiography, the Australian Open champion stated that she faced harsh comments aimed at her indigenous background from several people.

The former tennis player stated, “I’ve seen glimpses and tasted the faintest bitter edge of racism.” Barty went on to say there’s a need to spread awareness about the importance of Indigenous heritage in Australia. The former Wimbledon champion further stated that she faced insults and abuses despite her massive achievements on the tennis court.

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Barty added, “I’d become a Tennis Australia First Nations Ambassador and then find some muppet calling my heritage into question.” The Australian Open champion went on to say that her dad, Rob, made her aware of their family heritage. She further revealed that her dad’s cousin once informed him about his Indigenous background.

Barty added that her father’s parents didn’t disclose their lineage to him. However, Barty’s dad was curious to track back his family heritage. Rob, later on, came to know that his great-grandmother was an Indigenous Australian who married a white man.

Barty talked about her journey to Central Australia

In her book, the former Wimbledon champion talked about realizing the importance of her indigenous heritage during a visit to Central Australia. Barty further stated that she regards that visit as ‘the most important journey’ while she was given the role of Tennis Australia’s First Nations Ambassador.

The 3-time Grand Slam winner went on to say that her journey to Central Australia made her realize that her background was “really powerful.” Barty further stated that she wants to pursue the path of inspiring the next generation, particularly the First Nations youth. The Australian Open champion has already inspired many young tennis athletes around her country.

Are you excited about Ash Barty’s autobiography?

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