Ash Barty in Conversation

I’m only in my mid-twenties, and some might think that’s young to write a memoir. Who does that, right? But for me and my team it’s always been important to reflect on every part of the journey, especially the end. In that context, the timing is perfect to share my story, from the first time I picked up a racquet as a 5-year-old girl in Ipswich to the night I packed up my tennis bag at Melbourne Park after winning the 2022 Australian Open.

We are delighted to have Ash Barty talking about her extraordinary life and achievements for one night only, in conversation with acclaimed journalist and writer Konrad Marshall. Barty’s new book, My Dream Time is about finding the path to being the best she could be, not just as an athlete but as a person, and to consider the way those identities overlap and compete. Now, the tennis champion will discuss her extraordinary life and achievements in a special event as part of Spring Fling, presented in partnership with Readings.

We all have a professional and a personal self. How do you conquer nerves and anxiety? How do you deal with defeat, or pain? What drives you to succeed – and what happens when you do? The answers tell so much, about bitter disappointments and also dreams realised – from injuries and obscurity and self-doubt to winning Wimbledon and ranking number 1 in the world.

This is your chance to hear one of Australia’s greatest stories.

Presented in partnership with Readings

Each ticket includes a signed first edition of My Dream Time, available for collection on the night.

Celebrating our return to the stage and the rejuvenation of the arts and culture communities, Spring Fling is a short series of big ideas offering a delectable picnic spread of events with leading thinkers, writers and creators from Australia and abroad.

Spring Fling is supported by the Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund, a Victorian Government and City of Melbourne partnership.