Ash Barty’s bombshell retirement news has sent shockwaves across the nation, with many taking to social media to thank the tennis star for her lasting legacy.
The world number one announced the news in an Instagram post on Wednesday, telling former tennis doubles partner and friend Casey Dellacqua the time was right.
“Today is difficult and filled with emotion for me as I announce my retirement from tennis,” Ms Barty wrote in the caption.
“It’s hard to say, but I’m so happy and I’m so ready and I just know at the moment in my heart, for me as a person, this is right.
xjmtzyw“I know I’ve done this (retired) before but in a very different feeling and I am so grateful to everything that tennis has given me.
“It’s given me all of my dreams, plus more, but I know that the time is right now for me to step away and chase other dreams and to put the racquets down.”
Her decision to walk away from the sport less than two months after winning the Australian Open shocked the nation.
Speaking to reporters only minutes after Ms Barty’s post went live, Prime Minister Scott Morrison paid tribute to her inspiring career.
“On the way here we learned the news that Ash Barty would be retiring from tennis. I was able to leave a message for her before we got out of the car, and to her and Gary I want to wish them all the very best for their future,” he said in Rockhampton.
“I just simply want to say thank you for inspiring a generation of young people and particularly a generation of young Indigenous people in this country.
“You are all class.
“I do want to say thank you for inspiring a country, inspiring a nation at a time when this country really needed a good shot in the arm.
“Of course none of us will forget the triumphant win in Wimbledon and none of us will ever forget that incredible comeback down there at the Australian Open this year.”
