One of the most marketable athletes in the world, Ashleigh Barty announced on social media on Wednesday, 23rd March that she will be retiring from professional tennis. Her announcement sent shock waves to the world of tennis.
"I am so happy and so ready and I know this moment is right for me as a person. I am so grateful for all the dreams tennis has given 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. It's given me all of my dreams plus more but I know the time is right to step away and chase other dreams and to put the records down,” she stated in her social media post.
Barty has won three Grand Slam singles titles, the most recent being the Australian Open in January. She became the first Australian to win the Australian Open singles title in 44 years.
Since winning her first Grand Slam at the French Open in 2019, Barty has remained the world number one for 114 weeks. In total, she has 15 singles titles and 12 doubles titles to her credit.
Barty had previously taken a tennis hiatus. In May 2016, she returned to tennis to compete in an ITF event in Eastbourne, where she won three qualifying matches and three more in the main draw.
“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 other dreams that I’ve always wanted to do.”
After Justine Henin, who retired in May 2008 after 61 weeks at No. 1, Barty becomes the second reigning World No. 1 woman to retire while in the top spot.
“Success for me is knowing that I’ve given absolutely everything, everything I can. I’m fulfilled, I’m happy and I know how much work it takes to bring the best out of yourself,” Barty said.