Three-time grand slam champion Ash Barty has sent social media into a spin as rumours of her return to tennis intensify.
Barty retired in March 2022 and welcomed baby Hayden in July this year with her husband Garry Kissick, and has rarely been seen on a tennis court since her retirement.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Ash Barty shares new pictures of son, Hayden.
Watch the latest sport on Channel 7 or stream for free on 7plus >>
In a new post on Instagram, the tennis champion shared a heartwarming video of her hitting some tennis balls with young children, with the post also including a picture of her cuddling Hayden while holding a mini tennis racquet, and interestingly, she is wearing a cap featuring the Wimbledon logo.
Then post includes the caption: “Back to red ball 🤨 Coaches seemed happy enough 👌🏽 Spectator just enjoyed a snooze in the shade 💚💜.”
Instagram was sent into meltdown with fans hoping the word “back” in her post means that she is making a return to the tennis court soon.
So far, the post has received over 43,000 likes and 352 comments, as fans, friends and tennis players shared their excitement about seeing Barty back in action soon.
“Come out of retirement please,” one fan wrote.
“We need you back on tour,” another said.
Added another: “We need you back on the tour. But I guess we have to wait. Enjoy your time with your family.”
While one fan asked: “Does this mean you’re making a comeback?”
Barty’s friend and former tennis professional Casey Dellacqua replied with a series of heart-filled emojis and love hearts.
Former doubles great Pat Shriver sent the rumour mill into overdrive as she questioned the timing of Barty’s Instagram post.
“It’s interesting that she chose to post the video,” Shriver speculated about the post on the tennis.com website.
“It’s kind of like, does that send a message, now that all these peers who were playing the tour at the same time as her are coming back?”
In recent years, Caroline Wozniacki, Naomi Osaka, Victoria Azarenka and Elina Svitolina have returned to professional tennis after having a break in their careers to have children.
Barty’s Instagram post comes after New Idea posted quotes last month from a “source” that hinted she was contemplating a comeback.
“If it’s not the Australian Open in January, then she will probably set her sights on Wimbledon,” the source said.
If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your .
To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide.