My Dream Time by

Ash Barty

In the final pages of her 2022 memoir, Ash Barty says, “I’ve achieved my dreams, not many people in their life get to live out all their dreams.”

Wow! There’s an understatement if ever there was one – she forgot to add that not many people get to live out all their dreams before the age of 25.

I don’t often read memoirs, but this was one I was keen to have a look at, and when it was gifted to me at Christmas, I had no excuse.

Firstly, it was well-written and entertaining. If I were to criticise this book it would only be to suggest that it could have been improved chronologically. The chapters do jump backwards and forwards through her life and it wasn’t always clear to me where she was on the touring circuit or where she was emotionally – but don’t let this stop you from reading this book.

Ash’s story focuses on her tennis journey, which began when she was almost five years old at West Brisbane Tennis Centre with a coach called Jim. At first, Jim told the family that he didn’t coach kids as young as five but when he saw her hit a few balls he told her she could come back the next week, which was the beginning of an enduring friendship. When you consider that tennis has been Ash’s life for 20 years, the news of her retirement makes a lot more sense. And the announcement of her pregnancy also consolidates this.

The journey to being World No.1 for 121 weeks is documented here with all the hard work, the loneliness of the travel, and the emotional highs and lows spelt out. But in typical Ash Barty demeanour, which spectators are familiar with, Ash shares her glory with the many supporting individuals who have taken her to the heights of her career.

How does one person end up with so much talent? Tennis, cricket, golf, author! Wow! Pretty sure that this young woman has got more dreams in her bag.

Good Reads Rating

Published by Harper Collins