My Dream Time

It’s a tennis story. It’s a family story. It’s a teamwork story. It’s the story of how I got to where and who I am today.

I'm only in my mid-twenties, and some might think that's young to write a memoir. But it's important to reflect on every part of the journey, especially the end. The timing is perfect to share my story, from the first time I picked up a racquet as a five-year-old girl in Ipswich to the night I packed up my tennis bag at Melbourne Park after winning the 2022 Australian Open. Now I can look back at the 20 years in between and think carefully through the work and the play, the smiles and the tears, and all the people who helped along the way, be it my first ever coach, Jim Joyce, or my longtime one, Craig Tyzzer.

My Dream Time follows me on my path to being the best I could be, not just as an athlete but as a person. How do you conquer nerves and anxiety? How do you deal with defeat, or pain? What drives you to succeed – and what happens when you do? The answers tell me so much, about bitter disappointments and also dreams realised – from injuries and obscurity and self-doubt to winning Wimbledon and ranking number 1 in the world.

My story is about the power and joy of doing that thing you love and seeing where it can take you. It’s about the importance of purpose – and perspective – in our lives.

About the author

Australian Ash Barty is a former professional tennis player on the Women’s Tennis Association tour, 2011–22. Remarkably talented, Ash had a game style and shot variety that set her apart. Off court, her unassuming manner and commitment to being a good person endeared her further to the tennis community.

Retiring in March 2022 as world number 1 and reigning ladies singles champion at Wimbledon and the Australian Open, Ash departed as one of the most accomplished players ever. Her achievements include 3 Grand Slam singles titles, 1 Grand Slam doubles title, 12 WTA singles titles, 11 WTA doubles titles and a mixed doubles Olympic bronze. Ash was WTA world number 1 for 114 consecutive weeks, the 4th-longest streak ever, and 121 weeks in all, the 7th most in WTA history.

A proud First Nations woman, Ash is committed to creating sport and education opportunities for Australian youth. Her next chapter will involve community work, quality family time and enjoying sports as a fan.