Ashleigh Barty Announces Sporting Comeback: Headlining 103rd New Zealand Open

Former world No.1 tennis player Ashleigh Barty is set to make a remarkable sporting comeback, confirming her role as the headline ambassador for the 103rd New Zealand Open scheduled between February 29 and March 3 at Queenstown’s Millbrook Resort.

Barty, a three-time Grand Slam singles champion with an illustrious 12-year professional tennis career, retired from tennis in 2022 at the age of 25. The Australian athlete attended the New Zealand Open in 2023 as a spectator and is now eager to showcase her skills on the golf course.

After demonstrating her golf prowess at the Icons Golf Series in New Jersey alongside international sporting icons like Michael Phelps, Harry Kane, and Ricky Ponting, Barty expressed her excitement about the upcoming pro-am event.

“Having the opportunity to play in the pro-am event in 2024 is something I’m excited about, though I need to start practicing! Golf has always been a passion of mine, and I feel fortunate to be able to play in events like the New Zealand Open and experience an incredible course like Millbrook.

“I imagine that the first tee shot in front of everyone will be quite nerve-wracking, but once the first ball hits the fairway, hopefully things should settle down. I aim to go out there and enjoy every minute of it and hopefully make the weekend pro-am cut,” said Barty.

The three-time Grand Slam champion, who welcomed her son Hayden in September, has been spotted at the WTA Tour’s Australian residency this month. Barty will join an impressive lineup at the New Zealand Open, teeing up alongside sporting legends such as Jeff Wilson, Sean Fitzpatrick, Israel Dagg, Stephen Fleming, Ella Gunson, Hayden Paddon, Ricky Ponting, and Sir Ian Botham.

–IANS