Ash Barty says 'no regrets' about decision to retire from tennis, confirms Australian Open role
Tennis legend Ash Bartysays she has 'no regrets' about walking away from the sport, but conceded that a part of her will always pine for centre court.
The Australian announced her shock retirement in March, just two months after winning her home grand slam, and has repeatedly shrugged off any suggestions of her making a return to the sport.
Speaking on Nine's Today, she revealed that she will be in Melbourne Park this January, but it won't be with a racquet.
READ MORE: 'Gobbing off' Luai braces for awkward World Cup battle
READ MORE: 'Abject failure' hanging over World Cup heavyweights
READ MORE: AFLW premiership player dead at 28
"I was never going to run away, I promise - I was always going to be back," she said.
"It wasn't something I was going to close the door on and never return."
She hasn't revealed exactly what she will be doing, but it definitely won't involve her standing in the middle of a sold out Rod Laver Arena.
"No centre court - I'll be working in the background and doing my thing, but I certainly will be enjoying it, like everyone else."
Ash Barty after announcing her retirement earlier this year. Chris Hyde/Getty Images
Barty was still at her peak when she decided to give it all up, but said it was the right call, at the right time.
"There are certainly parts about it that I miss - I miss testing myself against the world's best, I miss seeing my mates that I met from all corners of the globe," she said.
"I don't miss quite a lot of it, but I'll never not miss it. But I'm certainly happy, and I know that it was the right time for me - it was the right decision, and certainly no regrets.
In between dabbling in golf and releasing her memoirs, Barty has kept busy.
"Chaos, I think is the best word to describe it," she said of post-retirement life.
"It's been organised chaos, beautiful chaos, sometimes just complete carnage."
Ash Barty's Grand Slam wins and 2022 in pictures: Perfect moment as world No.1 makes history at Australian Open, then announces shock retirement
