Ash Barty stuns tennis world by announcing retirement, saying: ‘I am so happy’

World number one Ash Barty has announced her shock retirement from tennis at the age of just 25-years-old.

Barty has sat atop of the WTA’s singles rankings for more than two years now (112 weeks) and has won two of the last three Grand Slams she has played – including the Australian Open in January.

However, she has decided to ‘put down the rackets’ now rather than pursue greater records, explaining that achieving her dreams of winning Wimbledon and the Australian Open have left her satisfied with her achievements in the sport.

“I kind of wasn’t quite sure how I was going do this but I think so many times in my life both my professional and my personal. You’ve been there for me,” Barty said in an interview with Casey Dellacqua that she shared on social media.

“And I just couldn’t think there’s no right way there’s no wrong way. It’s just my way and this is perfect for me to share it with you to talk to you about it with my team, my loved ones that I’ll be retiring from tennis.

“And so 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 and I just know at the moment in my heart for me as a person, this is right.

“And I know I’ve done this before, but in a very different feeling. And I’m so grateful to everything that tennis has given me it’s given me all of my dreams possible, but I know that the time is right now for me to step away and chase other dreams.”

 

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A post shared by Ash Barty (@ashbarty)

In the accompanying Instagram post, Barty explained: “Today is difficult and filled with emotion for me as I announce my retirement from tennis,” Ash Barty wrote in her Instagram post.

“I wasn’t sure how to share this news with you so I asked my good friend Casey Dellacqua to help me. I am so thankful for everything this sport has given me and leave feeling proud and fulfilled.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, I’ll always be grateful for the lifelong memories that we created together.”

Barty’s retirement leaves current world number two Iga Swiatek top of the women’s rankings for the first time in her career after sealing back to back WTA 1000 titles. 

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