Australian Ashleigh Barty, number one in the WTA ranking, surprised the tennis world on Wednesday by announcing her retirement from the sport at the age of 25.
“Today is a difficult and exciting day for me to announce my retirement from tennis,” she said on her Instagram account.
Barty broke the news of her retirement weeks after becoming the first local winner of the Australian Open, first Grand Slam of the season, in 44 years.
In a video message in which she is seen crying and accompanied by her friend and former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua, Barty said she was “grateful for all that this sport has given me”.
“Success for me is knowing that I have given absolutely everything, everything I can. I'm full, I'm happy and I know how much work it takes to get the best out of you,” she said in the video.
- No motivation -
“It's just that I don't have that in me anymore. I no longer have the physical motivation, the emotional desire and everything that is needed to push myself to be at the highest level,” he said.
He added that “I just know that physically I don't have more to give and that for me that is success.”
He said he was happy with his decision and noted that “tennis has given me all my dreams and more.”
“But I know that the time is now to step aside and chase other dreams and hang up the racket,” he said.
Barty has been number one for more than two years and is retiring after winning three Grand Slam titles: Roland Garros 2019, Wimbledon in 2021 and the Australian Open this year.
- Unexpected -
The tennis world received Barty's announcement with surprise, as did the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) on Twitter.
“Thank you for being an amazing ambassador for sports. We will miss you very much, Ash”, published the WTA, after assuring that it will leave “an indelible mark on the court, off the court and in our hearts”.
In turn, Karolina Pliskova, whom Barty defeated last year at Wimbledon, congratulated the Australian on an “incredible race”.
“It was a privilege to share the court with you,” the former Czech number one tweeted. “We will miss you.”
In turn, British Andy Murray, three-time Grand Slam winner, posted on Twitter: “Happy for @ashbarty. Sad about tennis. What a player!”
Even Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison paid tribute to the tennis player.
“I want to say thank you, Ash, for inspiring a country, inspiring a nation at a time when the country really needs it,” Morrison said.
Considered one of the most respected and loved players on the circuit, Barty quickly became the best with her dizzying variety of 'slice', precise services and perfect shots.
Last year she got engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Garry Kissick, who is usually present when playing games and uploading messages of support on social media.
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