World Number One Ash Barty has dropped a massive mid-week bombshell, confirming she is retiring from professional tennis at the age of 25.
The Australian tennis star announced the news in a video posted to social media on Wednesday.
“Today is difficult and filled with emotion for me as I announce my retirement from tennis,” Barty wrote on Instagram.
“I wasn’t sure how to share this news with you so I asked my good friend @caseydellacqua 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”.
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Barty’s decision to bow out follows her most recent victory at the Australian Open earlier this year which was the cherry on top after taking out Wimbledon last year.
The Aussie tennis legend also won the French Open in 2019, making her a three-time grand slam champion.
The 25-year-old admitted she’s got nothing left in the tank and feels now is the right time to pursue other dreams.
“I want to chase after some other dreams that I’ve always wanted to do. I’m really excited,” Barty said.
“There was a perspective shift in me in the second phase of my career that my happiness wasn’t dependent on the results and success for me is knowing that I’ve given absolutely everything I can.
“I’m fulfilled, I’m happy and I know how much work it takes to bring the best out of yourself.
“I said it to my team multiple times I don’t have it in me anymore. I don’t have the physical drive, the emotional want and everything it takes to challenge yourself at the top level anymore, and I know that I’m spent.
“I know people may not understand that, but Ash Barty the person has so many dreams she wants to chase after that don’t necessarily involve travelling the world, being away from my family, being away from my home.”
More to come.
