Ash Barty to play in US golf event after shock tennis retirement
Sydney, Australia, Apr 19 (EFE).- Australian Ashleigh Barty, who announced her shock retirement from professional tennis in March while ranked No. 1, will be part of an all-star lineup of sports stars at a golf tournament scheduled to be held in June in the United States.
The 25-year-old, who gave no clues about her next career move while announcing her retirement, will participate with other global athletes at the nine-hole exhibition event, which is part of the Icons Series, according to a statement by the organizers.
This tournament, which will be played between Jun. 30 and Jul. 1 at the Liberty National Golf Club, will be hosted by US team, captained by Fred Couples and including stars such as Michael Phelp, Michael Strahan, Oscar De La Hoya and Ben Roethlisberger.
Former golf star Ernie Els will be captain of the team from the rest of the world that will comprise Barty, Canelo Alvarez, Pep Guardiola and Harry Kane.
“She’s absolutely terrific,” Icons Series chief executive Thomas Brookes told the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, referring to Barty’s practice range session during the US Open in September.
Barty, who is in a relationship with Australian professional golfer Garry Kissick, won her first title at a golf tournament at Brisbane’s Brookwater club days after she retired from tennis.
In addition to golf, the reigning Australian Open champion will publish six children books titled “Little Ash” based on her own experiences on and off the tennis court.
The three-time Grand Slam winner announced her retirement on Mar. 23, a decision that she says she does not regret. EFE
wat/pd/lds
