Ashleigh Barty, world number one in tennis, created a surprise by announcing her retirement at just 25 years old, in a video posted Wednesday March 23 on her Instagram account. “Today is a difficult and emotional day for me because I am announcing my retirement from tennis”said the Australian, sitting opposite her former doubles partner, Casey Dellacqua, before adding: “I just know in my heart, right now, that this is the right thing for me to do.”
“It’s the first time I’ve said it out loud and, yes, it’s hard,” confided the one who had won the Australian Open – her third title in a Grand Slam tournament – barely two months ago, before confiding: “I no longer have the physical or emotional will, nor the ability to surpass myself at the highest level. I’m exhausted “
World number one since 2019, she has won three Grand Slam singles titles, at Roland-Garros in 2019, then at Wimbledon in 2021 and at the Australian Open this year. In January, she became the first local champion in 44 years to win the Australian Open, joining the exclusive club of Grand Slam crowns on three different surfaces.
“Incredible Ambassador”
“I am so grateful for everything tennis has given me, it has given me all my dreams and more”added the champion. “But I know the time has come for me to step away, pursue other dreams and put down the rackets”. “Thank you for being an incredible ambassador for this sport and for women around the world”tweeted the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). “We will miss you very much, Ash”.
Barty, one of the most respected and beloved players on the tour, quickly became the best, with her dizzying range of slices, precise serves and flawless forehand. She got engaged last year to longtime boyfriend Garry Kissick, who was always on the court when she played.
