Tennis legend Ash Barty has shocked fans and sports enthusiasts by announcing her retirement at the age of just 25.
The Australian Open champion shared the news via her Instagram account with a caption that read: “Today is difficult and filled with emotion for me as I announce my retirement from tennis.
“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.
“More to come tomorrow at my press conference.”
The post also included a video of her being interviewed by Dellacqua, explaining her decision to walk away from the game.
“It’s hard to say, but I’m so happy and I’m so ready and I just know at the moment in my heart, for me as a person, this is right,” Barty told Dellacqua.
“I know I’ve done this (retired) before but in a very different feeling and I am so grateful to everything that tennis has given me.”
The news comes just two months after Barty’s epic win at the Australian Open, which marked her third grand slam crown after taking out the titles at the French Open (2019) and Wimbledon (2021).
Earlier in 2021, the tennis champ pulled out of Indian Wells and also announced earlier in March that she would not be taking part in the WTA tournaments in the United States.
In a statement released at the time of her withdrawal, Barty explained that her body had not recovered the way she had wanted it to after the Australian Open.
“I don’t believe I am at the level necessary to win these events and as a result, I have decided to withdraw from both tournaments,” she said. “I love these events and am sad not to be there competing but getting my body right must be my focus.”
