Ash Barty: Champion

Australian Ashleigh Barty was a professional tennis player on the Women's Tennis Association tour from 2011 to 2022 (with a break from late 2014 to early 2016). She was widely regarded as one of the sport's most naturally talented players, and her game style and ability to play a wide variety of shots set her apart from her opponents. Ash's off-court manner endeared her further to the tennis community and fans around the world. With her signature unassuming approach, confidence to forge her own path and commitment to being a good person before all else, she became a role model for many.Ash announced her retirement from professional tennis in March 2022. Ranked WTA World No. 1 and the reigning ladies singles champion at Wimbledon and the Australian Open, she departed from the sport as one of the most accomplished players ever. Her tennis achievements include: three Grand Slam singles titles, one Grand Slam doubles title, 12 WTA singles titles, 11 WTA doubles titles and an Olympic bronze medal for mixed doubles. Ash held the WTA World No. 1 ranking for 114 consecutive weeks, the fourth-longest streak in tour history, behind Steffi Graf (186 weeks), Serena Williams (also 186) and Martina Navratilova (156). In all, Ash spent 121 weeks at World No. 1, the seventh most in WTA tour history, surpassed only by Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, Chris Evert, Martina Hingis and Monica Seles.A proud First Nations woman, Ash is committed to creating sport and education opportunities for youth in communities around Australia and launched the Ash Barty Foundation in 2024. A passionate reader and advocate for children's literacy, Ash has published her bestselling memoir My Dream Time, the Little Ash and Tennis Camp Diaries series for children, and two picture books, My Dream for You and My Dream Holiday.Family has always come first for Ash, who is happiest in her role as mum to son Hayden and daughter Jordan.