- Ashleigh Barty’s retirement came as a surprise after winning the Australian Open in 2022
- Things were looking up for Barty who is a three-time Grand Slam champion
- In her statement, Barty said she took this decision to pursue other interests in life
The tennis world went into a frenzy on Wednesday after Ashleigh Barty broke the news of her retirement.
It was unexpected especially after winning the season’s opening Grand Slam – Australian Open.
Things were looking up for Barty who is a three-time Grand Slam champion. Besides the Australian Open, she won Wimbledon and French Open in 2019.
In her statement, Barty said she took this decision to pursue other interests in life.
She wrote on her Instagram page:
“The time is right now for me to step away and chase other dreams and to put the racquets down.
I wasn’t quite sure of how I was gonna do this. It’s hard to say. I am so happy and I’m so ready. I just know at the moment in my heart for me as a person this is right.
Ashleigh Barty. Photo/Sky Sports
I kind of wasn’t sure how I was going to do this. But I think so many times in my life, both my professional and personal, you’ve been there for me. I just couldn’t think there’s no right way, there’s no wrong way, it’s just my way.
This is perfect for me to share it with you, to talk to you about it with my team, the loved ones that I will be retiring from tennis. That’s the first time I’ve actually said it out loud. 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.”
This took the tennis world by surprise. This is what they said on Twitter.
ANDY MURRAY
Happy for @ashbarty gutted for tennis what a player.
SIMONA HALEP
Former world No 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep joked about Barty’s upcoming journey.
“Ash, what can I say, you know I have tears right? My friend, I will miss you on tour. You were different and special, and we shared some amazing moments. What’s next for you? Grand Slam champion in golf?! Be happy and enjoy your life to the max xo Simo,” she tweeted.
DAREN CAHILL
Darren Cahill. Photo Rob Prange / Spain DPPI / DPPI / LiveMedia,Image
Barty’s coach Daren Cahil describes her as a role model who inspired many people.
“An incredible role model for so many not only in our sport, and she’s always gone about her career in her own special way. Well done, Ash. A true Aussie legend.”
SHELBY ROGERS
American tennis player Shelby Rogers praised Barty describing her as an incredible player.
“What a legend. Incredible inspiration on and off the court. One of the best human beings I’ve ever met.”
KAROLINA PLISKOVA
The former world No.1 could not believe that the Australian tennis player called in time in the sport.
Pliskova came in second in last year’s Wimbledon which Barty won.
“Congrats on an incredible career Ash. It was a privilege to share a court with you. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter, @ashbarty. You will be missed.”
PETRA KVITOVA
Petra Kvitova, a two-time Wimbledon champion, was another player who was pleased to share a court with the Australian.
She has beautiful memories of their interactions.
“Ash, I have no words… actually you are showing your true class leaving tennis in this beautiful way. I am so happy I could share the court with you…tennis will never be the same without you! I admire you as a player and a person…wishing you only the best.”
MADISON KEYS
Madison Keys. Photo/Sky Sports
The American star player said Barty was among the nicest people she ever came across.
“An incredible tennis player but more importantly one of the nicest people on tour Congratulations @ashbarty on an amazing career and good luck with what’s next!”
SANIA MIRZA
Former world No.1 in doubles, Sania Mirza described Barty as a legend. Mirza has three women’s and three mixed Grand Slam doubles victories.
“What a legend @ashbarty…tennis will miss you…unbelievable role model on and off the court…good luck mate for this next phase.”
TRACY AUSTIN
“Happy for you, @ashbarty to go out on your terms but the tennis world will miss a great champion. Love your elegant, athletic style of play and have always been impressed with the way you handle yourself on and off the court. Enjoy the next chapter.”
You must be logged in to post a comment Login