Barty’s post-retirement career to begin with writing children’s books

For the time being, Ashleigh Barty won’t be focusing on any kind of athletic playing field. Instead, the former world No. 1’s life after tennis will involve writing children’s books.

Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 25, 2022 Australia’s Ashleigh Barty celebrates winning her quarter final match against Jessica Pegula of the U.S. || 218951_0399

Ricky Dimon

April 10, 2022

This is not the first time that Ashleigh Barty has retired from tennis. At only 18 years, she left the sport to pursue a brief career career in an Australian cricket league. Following her second retirement last month, Barty promptly won a golf tournament.

But neither one of those sports will be her primary focus as she once again begins a life after tennis. Instead, the 25-year-old will focus on writing children’s books.

“Little Ash” children’s series

Barty is working on a six-book series entitle “Little Ash,” which — as the title suggests — is based on her own real-life experiences on and off the tennis court. The Aussie already has a publishing deal with HarperCollins. She became inspired to get into this field by her niece, Lucy, who is five years old.

“The project has been so much fun and something I have always wanted to do,” Bart explained. “Lucy was my north star (for the project). She is the perfect age to understand stories and storylines and read chapter books. The project has been so much fun and something I have always wanted to do.”

July is the reported release date, but you can at least get a sneak peak now.

“It’s the day of the tennis tournament and Ash is so excited to compete,” an excerpt on the HarperCollins website. “But Ash forgets her favourite hat, there’s a flat tyre and Ash wonders how they will ever get there! Will Ash arrive in time for her big match?”

A look back at Barty’s career

Barty retired in March as the world No. 1 and three-time Grand Slam champion. She won the French Open in 2019, Wimbledon in 2021, and the Australian Open in 2022. The final at Melbourne Park a couple of months ago proved to be the last match of her illustrious career — at least for now.

What will Barty do following her penmanship of “Little Ash”? More writing? Golf? Cricket? Tennis?

Whatever she chooses, you can get it will be successful.