World No. 1 Ash Barty shocked the tennis community on Wednesday by announcing his retirement at the age of 25. The Australian star cited tour fatigue and a sense of accomplishment after previously winning the Australian Open, her 3rd year.
Just two months after winning the home grand slam in a dominant manner, Barty decided to quit professional tennis, which helped raise some eyebrows.
Remarkably, Barty had taken a break from sport in the past and even tried his hand at professional cricket in Australia. As a teenager, she left tennis at the end of 2014 and only returned in 2016, after which she quickly rose in the rankings. Barty had even played in the women’s Big Bash League during his time away from tennis.
However, Barty confirmed on Wednesday that he no longer has the drive to compete at the highest level, adding that winning the Australian Open has given her a sense of accomplishment.
Barty, who is retiring at the peak of her career, has provoked reactions from the tennis fraternity who will surely miss the Australian superstar.
Former world No. 1 Simona Halep said she couldn’t hold back tears, adding that she found Barty a “different and special” player.
“Ash, what can I say, you know I’m in tears, right? My friend, I will miss you on the tour. You were different and special and we shared some amazing moments. What’s next for you? Grand Slam champion in golf? !”
Ash, what can I say, you know I have tears right? My friend, I will miss you on tour. You were different, and special, and we shared some amazing moments. What's next for you? Grand Slam champion in golf?! Be happy and enjoy your life to the max xo Simo@ashbarty pic.twitter.com/WbX7kXnJ1l
— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) March 23, 2022
PM MORRISON SEND WISHES
Barty received a message from Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison thanking the tennis star for inspiring a generation of youngsters.
“I especially want to say ‘thank you’ to you, Ash, for inspiring a generation of young people and especially a generation of young indigenous people in this country.
“None of us will of course forget the triumphant win at Wimbledon and none of us will ever forget that incredible comeback down there at the Australian Open this year, which once again showed everyone what you can do if you really put your mind to it.”
Great to speak with @ashbarty today and simply say, ‘Thank you Ash’. Thank you for inspiring a nation. You are all class. Your achievements will be celebrated for all time. On behalf of all Australians, all the best to you & your fiancé Garry for your wedding & new life together. pic.twitter.com/JRNvfbScAv
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) March 23, 2022
Two-time Grand Slam champion Petra Kvitova said: “Ash, I have no words… actually you show your true class when you exit tennis in this beautiful way.
“I am so happy that I could share the court with you. Tennis will never be the same without you! I admire you as a player and as a person. I wish you only the best!”
Andy Murray said: “Happy for @ashbarty gutted for tennis. What a player.”
Happy for @ashbarty gutted for tennis what a player
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) March 23, 2022
“Congratulations on an incredible career, Ash. It was a privilege to share a seat with you. I wish you all the best in your next chapter, @ashbarty. You will be missed,” wrote Karolina Pliskova.
The Aussie star is retiring with 15 titles, less than two months after winning the Australian Open, her third Grand Slam singles triumph after Wimbledon in 2021 and the French Open in 2019. Barty spent a total of 121 weeks as the world number one.
Barty said she had been considering retiring for almost a year and reiterated the decision after completing the Australian Open challenge earlier this year.
