"Ashleigh Barty's unretiring soon to end Iga Swiatek": Fans speculate Aussie's "comeback" as Wimbledon confirms her invitational doubles participation

Ashleigh Barty is set to return to tennis at this year's Wimbledon Championships. The prestigious grasscourt Major has announced that the former World No. 1 will feature in the invitational doubles match. This development has gripped tennis fans with excitement.

Barty called time on her illustrious tennis career in March 2022, citing her lack of motivation to continue playing the sport professionally as the reason behind the decision. The Aussie was the top-ranked women's tennis player at the time. Her last competitive outing was in the final of the 2022 Australian Open, where she defeated Danielle Collins to win her 15th singles title on the WTA Tour.

The three-time Grand Slam winner's retirement also propelled Iga Swiatek to the top of the WTA Tour rankings. Since then, the Pole has, for the most part, held that position and become women's tennis' most dominant force in the current era.

On Wednesday, June 19, the official Instagram handle of the Wimbledon Championships announced that Barty will play in the invitational doubles match this year. The Australian's last Wimbledon appearance came in 2021 when she won the final after getting the better of Karolina Pliskova.

Tennis fans on X (formerly Twitter) were ecstatic upon taking notice of the news. One set of fans was hopeful that Barty would reconsider her retirement from tennis and eventually come out of it.

"Is this part of Ash getting ready to make a comeback to the tour? I can live in hope," one fan wrote.

"Zomg its so a warmup for the inevitable comeback," another fan commented.

"SHUT THE FRONT DOOR," wrote a prominent tennis journalist.

Another set of fans opined that if Barty did make her full comeback, it would spell trouble for reigning World No. 1 Iga Swiatek and her chances of winning Wimbledon this year.

"Iga Swiatek seeing Ash Barty entering Wimbledon," wrote one fan, followed by a GIF.

"She’s unretiring soon to end Iga omg," commented another fan.

"She could probably still win the whole tournament," another fan chimed in.

"I felt at home" - Ashleigh Barty after winning the 2021 Wimbledon Championships

Ashleigh Barty with the 2021 Wimbledon Championships ladies singles trophy

Barty was overwhelmed with emotions after winning the 2021 final 6-3, 6-7(4-7), 6-3 against Pliskova. In her speech during the trophy presentation ceremony, the Australian said that winning Wimbledon was one of her childhood dreams. She also revealed that she could barely rest the night before the final, but managed to feel "at home" when she stepped out onto Center Court to face Pliskova.

"It took me a long time to verbalise saying that I want to win this tournament. And being able to live out my dream right now with everyone here has made it better than I could ever imagine. I didn’t sleep a lot last night. And I was thinking about all the what ifs. But when I was coming out on this court I felt at home in a way," Barty said.

Apart from the 2021 Wimbledon title and the 2022 Australian Open title, Barty also won the 2019 French Open. She also tasted Grand Slam success in doubles, winning the 2018 US Open alongside CoCo Vandeweghe.