HarperCollins serves up Wimbledon tennis champion Ash Barty's memoir

HarperCollins has signed global tennis star Ashleigh Barty’s as-yet-untitled memoir about “the power and joy of doing the thing you love and seeing where it can take you”.

HarperNonFiction publishing director Ajda Vucicevic acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Australia and New Zealand, as part of a global deal. An Australian deal was negotiated by Helen Littleton, head of non-fiction at HarperCollins Australia. 

Ranked Women’s Tennis Association world number one and the reigning ladies’ singles champion at Wimbledon and the Australian Open, Barty is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most accomplished players. Following her retirement from professional tennis last month, Barty’s memoir will tell the story of how she got to where she is today and share her reflections on her career and success.

She said: “The book is about finding the path to being the best I could be, not just as an athlete but as a person, and to explore how those identities overlap and compete. We all have a professional and a personal self. My story is about the importance of purpose – and perspective – in our lives. Publishing my memoir now allows me to reflect on the moments in my tennis life while they are fresh in my mind."

Barty held the Women’s Tennis Association number one ranking for 114 consecutive weeks, the fourth-longest streak in tour history, behind Steffi Graf (186 weeks), Serena Williams (186) and Martina Navratilova (156). 

Vucicevic said: “Ash is one of the all-time greatest tennis players and athletes in the world. Not only is she supremely talented, she is also an inspiration and a role model to millions with her hard work, determination and a fair play attitude. 

“We have loved watching her journey on the court and cannot wait for everyone to find out the real story behind her rise, her successes and the many challenges she has overcome to get to the top. And of course, what’s next in store for her.”