Stefanos Tsitsipas 'couldn't be prouder' of Paula Badosa for winning 2024 WTA Comeback Player of the Year

Former world No. 1, whose sudden retirement in 2022 shocked the tennis fans and broke hearts around the world, will be back in London taking part in the Legends’ invitational doubles event during The Championships.

Barty will her reprising the partnership with best friend and fellow Aussie Casey Dellacqua, who was delighted to confirm the news to press this week.

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“I can announce that the band’s back together, ABCD!” she told The AO Show Weekly, referring to the nickname based on their initials. The pair reached four Grand Slam doubles finals together, including one at Wimbledon in 2013.

“We’re just gonna have a great time and enjoy just being back together as friends on a tennis court, which we have loved to do our whole life,” Dellacqua added. “I’m actually really excited about it.

“We’re now in a different stage of our life. We’ve both got kids, we chat about different things—but hey, the tennis doesn’t change.

Barty, the 2021 Wimbledon champion, is set to return to the All England Club for the first time since her victory.

“The tennis is always there. That’s the glue that brought us together. So we’re really lucky.”

Since going out on top and hanging up her racquets for good in 2022, the three-time Grand Slam winner has been dabbling in other passions. She’s released a children’s book, has taken up golf and will next be seen in the commentary booth during the Olympic Games.

Last July, Barty gave birth to her first son Hayden, welcoming him with her husband, golf pro Garry Kissick. The pair married in July 2022.

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Baseline