When the new Wimbledon champion acknowledged my Aboriginal flag T-shirt on Centre Court she showed the importance of connection
I first met Ash Barty in the middle of the Gabba. It was 2015 – the year she took a break from tennis to play for the Brisbane Heat in the WBBL – and she was inspecting the pitch as if she’d played the game of cricket for years. My initial thought was, “Why would anyone leave behind a professional tennis career of note to try and make it through Brisbane grade cricket into a low paying domestic competition in a completely different sport?”
We chatted, not for long, but long enough for it to have left an impression on me. As I walked back to the commentary box, I was struck by the refreshingly simple yet driven nature of one of Australia’s most talented athletes.
Related: Ash Barty becomes the people’s champion with a stirring salute to her ancestry | Emma Kemp
She knew you were in her corner! pic.twitter.com/FvzKGWEecP
Related: Ash Barty sacrifices homecoming with Olympic gold her top priority
So this just happened! @Wimbledon champion bossing centre court in @naidocweek 41 years after Evonne Goolagong! Proud Aussie. #BartyParty #wimbledon #Lucky pic.twitter.com/ioI7CwUjnG