Australia's globe number one Ash Barty has decided to retire from professional tennis at 25. Barty said in a heart-warming post on social media: "I wasn't quite sure of how I would do this. It's tough to say I'm so happy and ready. I know at the moment in my heart for me as a person, this is right."
Barty said.
"I'm so grateful for what tennis has given me. But I know the time is right for me to step away and chase other dreams,"
The Australian further mentioned that he had been considering retirement for a "long time," adding that the win in Wimbledon in 2021 prompted her to consider calling it off.
In the post, Barty further mentioned that she would also be holding a press conference to discuss her decision to retire.
The WTA, on their official Twitter handle, also released a statement following Barty's announcement.
The WTA said.
"Current WTA world number one Ashleigh Barty has announced her retirement from professional tennis following an extraordinary career at the top of the women's game,"
Twitter image: @ashbarty
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For every young girl that has looked up to you.
— wta (@WTA) March 23, 2022
For every one of us that you've inspired.
For your love of the game.
Thank you, @ashbarty for the incredible mark you've left on-court, off-court and in our hearts 💜 pic.twitter.com/6wp9fmO439
The statement from WTA further added.
"It's infrequent for a professional athlete to step away while at the peak of her game, but Barty leaves with an excellent set of credentials that will almost certainly land her in the International Tennis Hall of Fame,"
Barty won three Grand Slam titles; Australian Open (2022), French Open (2019), and Wimbledon (2021) lifting 15 singles and 12 doubles titles in a celebrated career.
