Brisbane Heat open to Ash Barty return "in any capacity"

Captain Jess Jonassen, who played alongside the recently-retired women's world No.1 tennis player during her fleeting cricket career, says the Heat would be "lucky" to have her back

Ash Barty would be welcomed back to Brisbane Heat "in any capacity" following her retirement from professional tennis.

The world No.1 women's player shocked the sporting world this week when she took the decision, aged 25.

A three-time grand slam champion, in January Barty became the first homegrown winner of the Australian Open singles title in 44 years and spent 120 weeks atop of the WTA rankings.

Before her period of dominance, she took a break from tennis and played cricket during the 2015/16 Australian summer after being spotted by then Queensland Fire coach Andy Richards.

She made two List A appearances for Fire before winning a Women's Big Bash League contract with the Richards-coached Heat.

"She's an incredible athlete and incredible person and, she's somebody that any sporting team or any team, in general, will be very lucky to have."

In nine matches, Barty scored 68 runs with a top score of 39 and also featured in 13 matches for Western Suburbs District Cricket Club.

Heat captain Jonassen played alongside Barty in the WBBL and would be open to her return either as a player or mentor.

"We'll have a back in and around the Heat in any capacity, whether that's on the playing field or in a mentor-type role," she said.

"She's an incredible athlete and incredible person and, she's somebody that any sporting team or any team, in general, will be very lucky to have her around in whatever capacity that may be.

The Australia spinner, speaking ahead of the Women's World Cup clash against Bangladesh, added: "I was pretty shocked and pretty sad to read the news.

"I thought it was a bit of a joke initially, but I think that was something that Ash was always good at.

"She played to the beat of her own drum and she was never out there for being in the spotlight or getting all the glory she just wanted to achieve certain goals and feeling like she's done that, that she now has other goals and we'll see.

^{Barty turned to cricket in 2015/16 after taking a break from cricket (Brenton Edwards/Getty Images)}

"She's engaged now as well and family is a really big thing for her. So it wouldn't surprise me if that was the main driver to be able to spend a lot more time with family.

"There's going to be a number of different sporting codes, I can guarantee that - but yeah, I think she deserves a well-earned break for the next little while."

Since confirming the decision, Barty has been coy over what her future holds. 

It has been suggested she could take up golf or Australian Rules football and while she has not ruled out a return to elite sport, a role giving back to the community is among her ambitions.

"I have always wanted to have the time to contribute more in other ways and now I have that opportunity," she said. "That is what lights me up inside."

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