Ash Barty was lauded as one of the all-time champions of tennis after the Australian Open champion announced her shock retirement on Wednesday at the age of just 25.
Disbelief was the overwhelming reaction across social media platforms after Barty declared she no longer had the “physical drive” to play on having secured three Grand Slam titles, capped by her memorable win at Melbourne Park in January,
She retires while still number one in the world, having not played since that Australian Open victory and WTA Chairman and CEO Steve Simon said she would never be forgotten.
“With her accomplishments at the Grand Slams, WTA Finals and reaching the pinnacle ranking of No.1 in txjmtzywhe world, she has clearly established herself as one the great champions of the WTA,” he said.
We wish Ash only the very best and know that she will continue to be a tremendous ambassador for the sport of tennis as she embarks on this new chapter of her life. We will miss her.”
Fellow Aussie Thanasi Kokkinakis was quick to tweet “respect it” after Barty’s announcement.
Barty made the announcement via social media and released an emotional interview with former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua to outline her reasons for retiring.
“It’s the first time I’ve actually said it out loud and, yeah, it’s hard to say. But I’m so happy, and I’m so ready,” she said.
“I don’t have the physical drive, the emotional want and everything it takes to challenge yourself at the very top of the level any more. I am spent.”
“I know how much work it takes to bring the best out of yourself.
“I’ve said it to my team multiple times – `I just don’t have that in me anymore.’ Physically, I have nothing more to give. I’ve given absolutely everything I have to this beautiful sport of tennis, and I’m really happy with that.
“I know I’ve done this before, but in a very different feeling. I’m 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, yeah, put the rackets down.”
Barty is expected to hold a press conference on Thursday to further explain her decision to walk away.
