World number one Ashleigh Barty has stunned the world of tennis after announcing her retirement from the game at the age of just 25.
The Australian made the shock announcement on social media on Wednesday, saying she was leaving to pursue other life goals: “I’m so happy and I'm so ready,” she said to Casey Dellacqua in an interview. "And I just know at the moment in my heart, for me as a person, this is right.
“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 put the rackets down.”
Barty, who started her professional career at the age of just 14, won her first Grand Slam at the 2019 French Open. After rising to the top of the WTA rankings, has retained her status ever since, spending 114 consecutive weeks at the top.
She added to her collection of Grand Slams with a maiden success at Wimbledon last year and became the first home player to win the Australian Open men's or women's singles title in 44 years in January. Serena Williams is the only other active female player to have won major titles on clay, grass and hard courts.
Barty won 15 titles across her career with earnings from prize money alone totalling an estimated $24million (£18.1m) and will go down as one of the greatest players in her generation. But she said after more than a decade in the game, it is time to step away.
"I wasn't sure how to share this news with you so I asked my good friend [retired Australian tennis player Casey Dellacqua] to help me," Barty added. "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 we created together.
"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.”
It is not the first time Barty has left the sport. In 2014, she left tennis behind to focus on building a professional career in women’s cricket, having ranked outside the top 200 in the singles rankings.
However, after two years playing cricket in her native Australia, Barty made her return to the circuit in 2016 and began resurrecting her career by focusing on singles rather than doubles, where she had previously excelled.
Women's Tennis Association head Steve Simon hailed Barty as "one of the great champions" in a statement released on Wednesday night. "Ashleigh Barty with her signature slice backhand, complemented by being the ultimate competitor, has always led by example through the unwavering professionalism and sportsmanship she brought to every match," Simon said in a statement.
Several of her tennis colleagues reached out in support of Barty. Two-time Slam winner Simona Halep joked on Twitter : “What's next for you? Grand Slam champion in golf?!”
Australian doubles champion Sam Stosur said on Instagram : “Congrats for all you have achieved Ash. Incredible career. You’ve always done it your way and so good for you to follow your heart and once again do it your way with this decision. Can’t wait to hear what is next for you but in the meantime enjoy retirement.”
By default, 20-year-old Iga Swiatek — winner of the 2020 French Open — will become the newest player to take the world number one ranking when Barty drops out.
