World No. 1 WTA player, Ashleigh Barty announces early retirement in the interview shocks everyone on Wednesday.
The Australian tennis player Ashleigh aka Ash Barty decides to retire from professional tennis at the age of 25. She bombshells her retirement announcement in an interview with former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua.
The 25-year-old is World’s No. 1 ranked WTA player and three-time Grand Slam Champion. Barty has won 305 and lost 102 matches in her career span. She has earned three Grand Slam Singles titles and one Grand Slam Doubles title.
This tennis star has finished as Year-End No.1 for three consecutive years, also the second woman to retire at No. 1. She spent 114 consecutive weeks as the world’s best female tennis player and was the first home-grown champion of the Australian Open in 44 years. Barty retires with 15 career singles titles and 12 career doubles titles in her short but desirable career.
She retired with the fourth-longest streak as World No. 1 in the history of the Hologic WTA Tour. Steffi Graf (186 weeks), Serena Williams (186 weeks) and Martina Navratilova (156 weeks) followed by Barty’s reign.
Barty chose this interview with her close friend and doubles companion Casey Dellacqua to announce her decision as she said, “It is hard to say, but I am so happy and I am so ready and I just know at the moment, in my heart for me as a person this is right,” Barty feels content with her career and hoping to chase after other dreams.
She further added, “I am spent. I just know physically I have nothing more to give and that for me is a success. I have given absolutely everything I can to this beautiful sport of tennis and I am really happy with that. And for me, that is my success.”
World reacts to Ash Barty’s shocking announcement
The announcement made by Barty comes as a shock to the world after winning the Australia Open title roughly two months back. Fans and fraternity praise her for her accomplishments and congratulates her on her retirement.
The WTA released a statement from their official Twitter handle that said, “Current WTA number one Ashleigh Barty has today announced her retirement from professional tennis following a remarkable career at the top of the women’s game.”
Thanking Barty for her impeccable contribution, WTA wrote, “For every young girl that has looked up to you. For every one of us that you’ve inspired. For your love of the game. Thank you, @ashbarty for the incredible mark you’ve left on-court, off-court and in our hearts.”
Shelby Rogers was the last player to defeat Barty at US Open 2021 took on Twitter to praise her fellow competitor wrote, “What a legend. Incredible inspiration on and off the court. One of the best human beings I’ve ever met. Our number 1! Best of luck @ashbarty.”
From one Grand Slam champion to another, Indian tennis star Sania Mirza wrote, “What a legend @ashbarty.. tennis will miss you .. unbelievable role model on and off the court .. good luck mate for this next phase #inspiration.”
As she pays a tribute to Barty. Prime Minister Scott Morrison congratulates Barty on her retirement said, “I do want to say thank you Ash for inspiring a country, inspiring a nation at a time when this country needed a good shot in the arm.”
Barty took on Instagram to announce her retirement sharing her interview. She further cautioned to share more about her decision at the press conference.
Published By : Ankit Singh
Edited By : Khushi Thakur
