Just over a month ago, Ashleigh Barty, 25, announced that she was ending her professional tennis career, just 25 years old.

The news came as a surprise from the Australian, who as recently as January took her career's third gram slam title through the historic victory at the Australian Open when she became the first home player in 44 years to win the tournament, since Chris O'Neill in 1978.

This summer, Barty will return to the big sports scene, in another sport.

The show competition Icons Series has presented her as one of the players in the mixed golf competition at Liberty National in New Jersey outside Manhattan, New York, June 30-July 1.

South African golf legend Ernie Els is captain of the world team and other selected players, besides Barty, are Spanish football coach Pep Guardiola, English football striker Harry Kane and Mexican boxer Canelo Álvarez.

The American opposing team includes swimming legend Michael Phelps.

According to the news agency AFP, Ashleigh Barty's participation creates speculation that she may change sports.

Barty himself, who has a handicap of 4, does not talk about a golf bet.

-It is a unique opportunity to have fun, challenge yourself and compete against the world's greatest athletes.

In a sport we are all so passionate about, says Ashleigh Barty to the Sydney Morning Herald.

CLIP: World setter Ashleigh Barty retires (March 23)

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Ashleigh Barty.

Photo: TT News Agency