Talented Australian Ashleigh Barty has announced her comeback to tennis, just a day after the Australian team defeated Slovakia 3-2 in the Fed Cup. 

Return Set for Perth

Ash Barty has been away from tennis for nearly a year and a half. She will make a comeback on the ITF Circuit to play doubles at the Perth Tennis International, her first tournament since U.S. Open in 2014.  She took to Twitter to express her excitement about her return to the game.

Barty said she had lost all love for the sport when she announced her surprise exit from tennis in 2014. She said at the time that she wanted to take part in a team event. Barty then announced that she would play cricket for her home team, Brisbane Heat, during the summer. 

Watching Australian Open Ignites Passion to Return

A visit to the Australian Open in January seems to have swayed her decision to come back to tennis after regaining her passion for the sport that she loved growing up. During her time away, she took life a little bit easier, hanging out with friends and family and playing cricket. Barty said she felt robotic and that she couldn't enjoy tennis any more due to its high demands. The Aussie believes that if she had not taken a hiatus, that she would have been driven away from the sport for good.

Barty Finds Tennis Success at Young Age

The Australian gained attention in her home country during her time in Juniors after winning the Wimbledon title in 2011 at age 15. It made her the biggest prospect to come out of Australia since Samantha Stosur. Three years later, she found success with Casey Dellacqua in doubles, making finals at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. 

Barty who spoke to a WTA Insider had this to say “Obviously I was very young, but I turn 20 this year and it’s a different perspective on life and tennis in general. I’ll be able to do it my way a bit more. If it works, great. If it doesn’t, I can’t really complain. I’ve had a phenomenal career for the short time that I did play. I’m just ready to work up that slow grind up the ITFs and hopefully be up with the WTA soon.”