Little Ash Perfect Match!

Ash loves to play sport. She's tried karate, softball, netball and gymnastics. But none of those sports give her that tingly feeling, the one where you know it's something you'll absolutely love to do. How will Ash ever choose?

Australian Ashleigh Barty was a professional tennis player on the Women's Tennis Association tour from 2011-2022 (with a break from late 2014 to early 2016). Widely regarded as one of the sport's most naturally talented players, Ash's game style and ability to play a wide variety of shots set her apart from her opponents. Ash's off court approach endeared her further to the tennis community and fans around the world. With her signature humility, confidence to guide 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: 3 Grand Slam singles titles, 1 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 (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 Indigenous woman, Ash is committed to creating sport and education opportunities for youth in communities around Australia. Ash's next chapter is yet to be written but will certainly involve a new set of goals and dreams, expanding her community work, spending time with her family and her dogs, and enjoying many sports as a fan.

Jasmin McGaughey is a Torres Strait Islander and African American writer and editor. In 2019 she was lucky enough to be a black&write! editor intern and a Wheeler Centre Next Chapter recipient. She has been able to write for Overland, Kill Your Darlings, SBS Voices & Griffith Review. Jasmin's always loved storytelling, and she is proud to be able to work and learn in this field.

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