Ash Barty, 25-Year-Old World No. 1, Stuns Tennis World By Announcing Retirement

Ash Barty, the 25-year-old world No. 1 from Australia, stunned the tennis world on Tuesday by announcing her retirement.

The three-time Grand Slam champion won the Australian Open in January over American Danielle Collins in straight sets. She also won the French Open in 2019 and Wimbledon in 2021, and won 25 of her last 26 matches and three of her last four tournaments.

“It’s the first time I’ve actually said it out loud and, yeah, it’s hard to say,” Barty told former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua in an interview. “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 collected 15 titles in singles and 12 in doubles – more than any other active player. She produced a 305-102 record in singles and a 200-64 record in doubles, earning total career prize money of $23,829,071.

Barty’s current reign as No. 1 is the fourth-longest streak in the history of the WTA Tour, behind Steffi Graf (186 weeks), Serena Williams (186) and Martina Navratilova (156). Her 121 total weeks are No.7 all time.

Barty becomes the second reigning World No. 1 ranked woman to retire while on top, following Justine Henin, who retired on in May of 2008, after 61 consecutive weeks at No.1. Henin returned to play two years later.

Kim Clijsters retired for the first time in 2007 at the age of 23 and ranked No.4. She returned two years later, won back-to-back US Open titles, then retired a second time from 2012-20. Clijsters is currently an active player. Eleven-time Grand Slam champion Bjorn Borg retired at the age of 26 in 1983, then came back to play from 1991-93.

“I know how much work it takes to bring the best out of yourself,” Barty said. “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.”

WTA Chairman & CEO Steve Simon said: “With her accomplishments at the Grand Slams, WTA Finals and reaching the pinnacle ranking of No.1 in the world, she has clearly established herself as one the great champions of the WTA.

“We wish Ash only the very best and know that she will continue to be a tremendous ambassador for the sport of tennis as she embarks on this new chapter of her life. We will miss her.”