The World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty has announced her shocking retirement from tennis.
The three-time major champion made the announcement on her social media with friend and former Australian number 1 tennis player, Casey Dellacqua.
The two sat down in a candid chat as Ash delivered the news of her retirement.
“I wasn’t sure how I was going to do this,” Barty said.
“There’s no right way, or wrong way, it’s just my way, and this is perfect for me to share it with you (Dellacqua), my loved ones, my teammates that I’ll be retiring from tennis.
“It’s the first time I’ve said it out loud and it’s hard to say, but I’m so happy, and so ready, I know in my heart for me as a person this is right.”
Barty has left the game of tennis before. In 2014, Barty took an indefinite leave from tennis and she ended up playing cricket during this hiatus.
She signed with the Brisbane Heat for the inaugural Women’s Big Bash League season despite having no formal training in the sport.
“I know I’ve done this before,” Barty said.
“But, this time it’s a very different feeling and I’m so grateful to everything tennis has given me. It gave me all my dreams, plus more, but I know now it’s time to step away, chase other dreams and put the racquets down.”
Barty explained that she had been thinking of retirement for some time.
“Wimbledon last year really changed things for me,” Barty said.
“When you work so hard as an athlete, your whole life for one goal, I’ve been able to share that with many incredible people.
“I wanted to win Wimbledon. That was my dream. That was my true dream I wanted in tennis. That changed my perspective.
“I had that gut feeling after Wimbledon and spoke a lot with my team about it. There was a little part of me that wasn’t quite satisfied.
“Then came the challenge of The Australian Open. That was my perfect way to celebrate what an amazing journey my tennis career has been.
“I want to chase after some dreams that I’ve always wanted to go after.
“I’ve given absolutely everything I can to this beautiful sport of tennis and I’m really happy with that. And for me, that is my success.”
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