Topline
Australian tennis star and women’s world number one ranked player Ashleigh Barty announced on Wednesday that she is retiring from the sport, in a decision that has shocked the tennis world as it comes just months after the 25-year-old won her third grand slam title at the Australian Open.
Ashleigh Barty of Australia smiles as she attends a media opportunity at Kooyong in Melbourne, … [+]
Key Facts
In a video posted on her Instagram page, Barty said she didn’t have the “physical drive” or “emotional want” to challenge herself at the top level of the sport any longer.
The Australian tennis star added that she was “spent” and felt it was time to “chase other dreams.”
Acknowledging her previous retirement as a teenager back in 2014, Barty said she knows that she’s “done this before” but this was a very “different feeling.”
Barty said she first got the inkling to step away from the sport after winning Wimbledon last year which was her “one true dream” but said she put off the decision then as a part of her wasn’t quite satisfied yet.
The 25-year-old world number one said that changed with her Australian Open victory in January which she thought was the perfect way to celebrate “what an amazing journey” her tennis career has been.
Crucial Quote
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Twitter thanked Barty: “Thank you for inspiring a nation. You are all class. Your achievements will be celebrated for all time. On behalf of all Australians, all the best to you & your fiancé Garry for your wedding & new life together.”
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2022/03/23/i-am-spent-tennis-world-number-one-ash-barty-announces-retirement-at-age-25/