“We never expected her to go back” | How Ash’s Wimbledon Triumph Nearly Didn’t Happen

THE BIG BREAKFAST WITH MARTO AND MARGAUX


Article heading image for “We never expected her to go back” | How Ash’s Wimbledon Triumph Nearly Didn’t Happen

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As Ash Barty continues to celebrate her maiden Wimbledon triumph behind closed doors, one member of the elusive ‘Team Barty’ has shared the elation of the camp as the Ipswich native became the first Australian woman to win at the All England Club since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1971. However, the incredible victory may never come to fruition.

Speaking on The Big Breakfast with Marto and Margaux Ash’s proud father Rob revealed to listeners how Barty’s notable switch to cricket early in her career could have been permanent, given how disenfranchised Ash was with the game. Barty Senior telling Marto and Margaux that he and wife, Josie, fully supported their daughter’s decision, not once trying to convince her to make a return to the game she grew up playing.

“When she quit tennis the first time we were really happy with that decision” Barty told listeners

“There wasn’t a day during those eighteen months (playing cricket) where Josie and I said to her ‘Hey darl, you should go back and play tennis, you’re pretty good at it’. We just left it completely up to her”

HEAR THE FULL CHAT BELOW

Tune in to The Big Breakfast with Marto and Margaux; listen live from 5.30am weekdays on Brisbane’s 104.5 Triple M or download the LiSTNR App to grab the podcast NOW.

Nick Davis

12 July 2021

Article by:

Nick Davis




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