Ash Barty reveals her big retirement regret about Serena Williams as American prepares to bow out

Aussie tennis ace Ash Barty has spoken for the first time about her unfinished business with Serena Williams as she admitted she would have loved one last crack against the retiring American superstar. 

Williams, a 40-year-old 23-time grand slam champion, has announced she will be retiring from the sport after the US Open in September.

Barty, 26, announced her shock retirement from tennis five months ago.

Williams won in three sets when the pair clashed at the 2018 French Open – and Barty has now revealed she would have loved a chance to even the score with the American superstar

The pair only faced each other twice over the years, with Serena winning on both occasions.

Williams beat a teenage Barty at the Australian Open in 2014 in straight sets, 6-2 6-1, before getting another one over the Aussie golden girl at the French Open in 2018.

Their second meeting was a closer affair, reflecting Barty’s huge improvement, with the Aussie going down in three after winning the first set 6-3.

Barty told the Sydney Morning Herald that she doesn’t have any regrets from her playing career, but she wouldn’t mind another go at Williams to try and get one back.

‘The first [time] I was a very young girl who was intimidated,’ said Barty.

‘The second time I thought I had a chance and I did. But the way that she plays and her greatness was too good for me.

‘I would have loved to have challenged myself one last time. That’s my competitive spirit, and me learning from the experiences that I had.

Williams is pictured playing Emma Raducanu at the Western & Southern Open. A brilliant Raducanu defeated Williams 6-4, 6-0 in an hour and five minutes

‘Not many people on this planet get to say that they played Serena and I’m one of those few people that really got to experience her when she was at her best.

‘And I think that was really exciting. It’s a memory and an experience that I’ll never forget and learnt a lot from.’

Earlier in the week Ash Barty announced her new and very unusual job title with one of Australia’s biggest companies. She’s the new Chief of Inspiration for Optus – a role that comes with an unusual title.

‘Inspiration for me has always been my north star, helping inspire Aussies and encouraging them to be the best version of themselves – and I cannot wait to do that with Optus,’ said Barty. 

Ash Barty announced her retirement from the sport aged 26 as world No. 1 and reigning Australian Open and Wimbledon champion

Since her shock retirement in March after a fairytale win at the Australian Open, Barty has been very active.

The three-time major winner married long-time partner Garry Kissick, did a shoey at Mick Fanning’s charity golf day and released a range of children’s books and spent plenty of time on the links – sparking rumours that Barty may attempt a move into professional golf. 

The Aussie golden girl is also finalising her memoir, which is set to be available for presale in November.