Australian Ashleigh Barty, number one in the WTA ranking, surprised the tennis world on Wednesday by announcing her retirement from the sport at the age of 25.
“Today is a difficult and emotional day for me as I announce my retirement from tennis,” he stated on his Instagram account.
Barty broke the news of her retirement weeks after becoming the first local winner of the Australian Open, the season’s first Grand Slam, in 44 years.
In a video message in which she is seen crying and accompanied by her friend and former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua, Barty said she was “grateful for everything this sport has given me.”
“I am so happy and so ready and I know right now in my heart that as a person this is the right thing to do,” she said, noting that “tennis has given me all my dreams and more.”
“But I know the time is now to step aside and chase other dreams and hang up the racket,” he added.
Barty has been No. 1 for more than two years and is retiring after winning three Grand Slam titles: Roland Garros in 2019, Wimbledon in 2021 and the Australian Open this year.
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) commented on Twitter on the withdrawal of the Australian.
“Thank you for being an amazing ambassador for the sport. We will miss you very much, Ash”, published the WTA.
Considered one of the most respected and beloved players on tour, Barty quickly became the best with her dizzying variety of slices, precise serves and perfect shots.
Last year she got engaged to her long-term boyfriend, Garry Kissick, who is often present when she plays and posts supportive messages on social media. (D)
Source: Eluniverso
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