Barty addresses golf rumour and admits ‘never say never’ about return to tennis

Ash Barty has said she would "never say never" about returning to professional tennis following her shock retirement at the age of 25.

In response to a question about the prospect of making a comeback, the Australian said: "Well, you never say never, it's a long way off." Barty also hintedatarolewithjuniortennisin her home country.

She said she was looking forward to working with younger players "throughout the communities, seeing the smiles on the kids' faces, bringing them the opportunities to play tennis", adding: "It reminds me of why I started playing."

When asked if that meant she would have a formal position withjuniortennis,bartysmiled and said she had "no details to share as yet.

"That'sjustagoalandadream ofmine,tobeabletogivebackto the sport that has given me so much," she added.

"Obviously young girls and juniors is an area that I'm really interested in. Yeah, down the track I'm hoping I'll be able to contribute in some way."

She told reporters she was leaving the circuit because the "timing is right". "Timing is everything, I'm a big believer in that. And for me the timing is right," she said.

One day earlier, the reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion said she was retiring from the sport for a second time to "chase other dreams".

Bartylaughedyesterdaywhen asked if there was any truth to "whispers" those dreams included professional golf, a sport she has expressed her admirationforpreviously."you guyslovetowhisper,don'tyou? No, we'll wait and see. I've got to try and learn how to hit the middle of the club face before I can think of trying to get on the tour," she replied.

She also expressed her admiration for Poland's Iga Swiatek, the current world No 2 who is likelytoreplaceheratthetopof the rankings.

"I'mnotsureofwhatthepossibilities are (with who becomes number one following her retirement) - I've never been one to look at it much," Barty said.

"I know that if it is Iga, there is no better person. She's an incredible person, a great tennis player.

"I think she thoroughly deserves it. I hope that she can take it and still be her, do it her ownway,andreallychasewhat she'safterinhercareerandher dreams."