Ash Barty Announces Shock Retirement From Tennis
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In a stunning announcement, Ash Barty has retired from pro tennis.
“Today is difficult and filled with emotion for me as I announce my retirement from tennis,” Barty posted on social media. “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 🤍”
In an interview with good friend Casey Dellacqua, the world No. 1 said she’s “spent”.
“It’s the first time I’ve actually said it out loud and, yeah, it’s hard to say,” Barty told Dellacqua. “But I’m so happy, and I’m so ready.
“I don’t have the physical drive, the emotional want and everything it takes to challenge yourself at the very top of the level any more. I am spent.”
Barty will finish with 15 titles including three Grand Slams on three different surfaces. Her last match will be her historic Australian Open title in January.
“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.
“For me, that is my success.”
Barty also retired from tennis before, back in 2013 when she spend 2.5 years off the tour playing cricket before coming back. Might this retirement also be shortlived?
“I know I’ve done this before,” Barty said. “But in a very different feeling. I’m so grateful to everything that tennis has given me. It’s given me all of my dreams, plus more, but I know that the time is right now for me to step away and chase other dreams and to, yeah, put the rackets down.”
The 25-year-old Barty is still No. 1 for the week. Now the WTA will have to decide to either remove her — allowing Iga Swiatek to move to No. 1 — or keep her on top in case she does return. But with her Melbourne win and ranking, she leaves on top similar to how Flavia Pennetta and Marion Bartoli left the game after winning a Slam.
“The challenge of the Australian Open, and I think that for me, feels like the most perfect way – my perfect way – to celebrate what an amazing journey my tennis career has been,” Barty said. “As a person, this is what I want. I want to chase after some other dreams that I’ve always wanted to do.”
A career that has inspired the world 💙
Thank you @ashbarty, for everything. We wish you the best in your retirement, and we’ll always be here cheering you on for the next chapter.
Forever a champion 🏆 pic.twitter.com/eMv9ABhKB8
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) March 23, 2022
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