Tennis Australia Media Release, August 8, 2026

Former world No.1, three-time Grand Slam champion and proud Ngarigo woman Ash Barty has crowned the 2026 National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC) champions in Darwin on Saturday, capping off a week where culture and competition took centre court for more than 160 young First Nations players from across Australia.

Barty joined participants throughout the final day, taking part in a ballkids trial, coaching players on court and awarding Team New South Wales the Ash Barty cup, praising their teamwork, sportsmanship and positive attitude both on and off the court.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, Barty said:

“It’s been a brilliant couple of days up here in Darwin for the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival. It’s always a week that I earmark on the calendar.

“I’m so lucky that every time I come up to Darwin, the kids are excited. It’s nice for me to get back on the court – it’s few and far between these days, so it’s nice to get back out here and do what I love and spend some time with some of the beautiful kids from across our nation.

“What I love the most is after a couple of days, the kids really start to open up and build that relationship with you and connect, that’s what it’s all about coming here and enjoying time together.

“The Ash Barty Cup is one of my favourite trophies here. It is for the state that accumulates the most points over the week, so what I love most about it is that it’s working together with your team, having your mates back and going out there and really supporting one another.”