Ash Barty is returning to tennis for Wimbledon

This will be the first time Ash Barty will play in a major tennis event since announcing her retirement.

Ash Barty became the first Australian woman in 41 years to win the women's singles title at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships. Credit: PA/Alamy

Ngarigo tennis legend Ash Barty has surprised fans by announcing her return to tennis to play the Wimbledon Championships.

Barty agreed to play an invitational doubles match after retiring from tennis in March 2022. This will be the first time she will play in a major tennis event since announcing her retirement.

Wimbledon officials announced Ms Barty's return on their social media, saying they were "delighted to have [their] 2021 singles champion Ash Barty" back.

In 2021, Barty was the first Australian woman in 41 years to win the women's singles title, since her mentor and idol Wiradjuri woman Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1980.