Ashleigh Barty of Australia poses with the trophy during a photo shoot after winning the Women s singles final match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros in Paris, France on June 9, 2019. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY (105420871)
World No. 1 Ash Barty announced her retirement from professional tennis at the age of 25
Ashleigh Barty revealed her decision of retiring from tennis in a recorded video posted on Instagram where she was having a conversation with former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua. The announcement comes as a shock to the tennis community especially when Barty was in her peak and is the reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open Champion.
This is the second time Barty has retired from tennis. On the previous occasion in 2014, she retired and made a switch to cricket, playing for Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League. She made a comeback to tennis in 2016 and has had a successful stint to date.
Ashleigh Barty stated that she is retiring from tennis to ‘chase other dreams’. She explained that she is ‘absolutely spent both physically and mentally and has nothing more to offer to the sport. Speaking on her decision, Barty said, “I’m so happy and I’m so ready. I just know at the moment in my heart, for me as a person, this is right. I know that people may not understand it. I’m OK with that. Because I know 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, from my home, which is where I always wanted to be.”
The Australian further added, “I’m so thankful for everything this sport has given me and l leave feeling proud and fulfilled. I know how much work it takes to bring the best out of yourself. I’ve said it to my team multiple times. I just don’t have that in me anymore. Physically, I have nothing more to give. I’ve given absolutely everything I have to this beautiful sport of tennis and I’m really happy with that.” The 25-year old thanked all her supporters and followers for having her back through thick and thin. “Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. I will always be grateful for the lifelong memories we created together.”
Ashleigh Barty believes winning the Wimbledon was the peak point of her career. She had considered retiring from the sport on a high after winning the title but instead opted to take the Australian Open Challenge on home turf.
“Wimbledon last year changed a lot for me as a person and as an athlete. When you work so hard your whole life for one goal and I have been able to share that with so many incredible people. I just had that gut feeling after Wimbledon and had spoken to my team quite a lot about it and there was just a little part of me that wasn’t quite satisfied, wasn’t quite fulfilled”, said Barty.
Barty believes winning the Australian Open was the best way to end her journey. “And then came the Australian Open. I think that for me just feels the perfect way, my perfect way to celebrated what an amazing journey my tennis career has been.”
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