Ash Barty goes out on top: Australian tennis champ, 25, breaks down as she stunningly RETIRES while still No.1 – leaving the sporting world in SHOCK: ‘I have nothing more to give’
Australian women’s tennis world No.1 Ashleigh Barty has stunningly retired after two years on top aged just 25.
Barty pulled the plug on her ascendant career just weeks after winning the Australian Open, backing up her Wimbledon win last year.
The Ipswich sensation announced her retirement on Wednesday in a video with former doubles partner and good friend Casey Dellacqua.
‘Today is difficult and filled with emotion for me as I announce my retirement from tennis,’ Barty wrote in the caption.
‘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 promised more information about why she decided to step away from the game prematurely at a press conference on Thursday.
Since turning pro at just 13 she also won the French Open in 2019 and 12 other titles despite taking a break to play cricket in 2014-16.
Barty grabbed the world No.1 spot on June 24, 2019, and she never relinquished it with high finishes in grand slams for the next two-and-a-half years.
Her many victories, including 12 doubles titles – many with Dellacqua, earned her US$23.83 million in prize money and millions more in sponsorships.
But the sport took its toll and she withdrew from Indian Wells and the Miami Open after winning in Melbourne, citing ‘a need for ongoing recovery after winning the Australian Open’.
Barty and her incredible career were praised by Women’s Tennis Association chief executive Steve Simon minutes after her announcement.
‘Ash Barty with her signature backhand slice complemenmted by being the ultimate competitor, has always led by example through unwavering professionalism and sportsmanship she brought to every match,’ he said.
‘She has clearly established herself as one of the great champions of the WTA.
More to come.
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