sport news Ash Barty makes a 'really emotional' final return to the courts where she fell ... trends now
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There were tears and beers at the West Brisbane Tennis Centre this week as retired tennis champion Ash Barty and her long-term coach bid farewell to the venue where her journey to Grand Slam glory began.
The Ipswich-born legend recently retired after reigning as World No.1 and winning the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon.
Her journey began at the West Brisbane Tennis Club in Archerfield and this week she closed the chapter on her days with the club.
Barty and her coach Jim Joyce made a promise to share one last beer on the court where it all began for the retired Australian Open and Wimbledon champ
After almost 70 years, the Joyce family - including Barty's long-term coach and friend Jim Joyce - have sold the centre, which will no longer be used for tennis.
Before the gates were padlocked for good, Barty and Joyce spent time with the local juniors before having a private hit-out on the courts.
Joyce has been flooded with pride with every achievement Barty has notched up, but said having that last afternoon at the club with his prodigy would provide the more enduring memories.
Barty attended the final junior finals night at the West Brisbane Tennis Centre before it closed
'That afternoon will mean as much to me
