Ash Barty just retired…..
What the ****. What the actual ****. Shocking!
World No.1 and three-time major champion Ashleigh Barty has announced her shock retirement from tennis.
“It’s something that I’ve been thinking about for a long time,” Barty said in an announcement made on social media.
An emotional Barty, Australian Open champion only two months ago, confirmed the stunning news in an interview with former player and close friend Casey Dellacqua.
“I kind of wasn’t quite sure how I was going do this but I think so many times in my life both my professional and my personal. You’ve been there for me,” Barty said.
“And I just couldn’t think there’s no right way there’s no wrong way. It’s just my way and this is perfect for me to share it with you to talk to you about it with my team, my loved ones that I’ll be retiring from tennis.
“And so first time I’ve actually said it out loud and yeah, it’s hard to say, but I’m so happy and I’m so ready and I just know at the moment in my heart for me as a person, this is right.
“And I know I’ve done this before, but in a very different feeling. And I’m so grateful to everything that tennis has given me it’s given me all of my dreams possible, but I know that the time is right now for me to step away and chase other dreams.”
“Today is difficult and filled with emotion for me as I announce my retirement from tennis. I wasn’t sure how to share this news with you so I asked my good friend @caseydellacqua to help me,” Barty said.
“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.”
Barty cited last year’s memorable Wimbledon triumph - the first time an Australian had won a singles title there in nearly 20 years - as the culmination of her sporting dreams.
“It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time,” Barty said about the retirement decision, with her voice choking up.
“I’ve had a lot of incredible moments in my career. That have been pivotal moments.
“Wimbledon last year changed a lot for me as a person and for me as an athlete when you work so hard your whole life for one goal, and I’ve been able to share that with so many incredible people.
“But to be able to to win, Wimbledon which was my dream my the one true dream that I wanted in tennis that really changed my perspective.”
Barty said the physical demands of getting to No.1 in the world had helped drive her decision.
“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.
“I’ve said it to my team. Multiple times - it’s just I don’t have that in me anymore.
“I don’t have the physical drive the emotional want and kind of everything it takes to challenge yourself at the very top level anymore and I think I just know that I’m absolutely I am spent I just know physically I have nothing more to give.
“I’ve given absolutely everything I can to this beautiful sport of tennis and I’m really happy with that. And for me that that is my success.
“And I know that people may not understand it and that’s okay. I’m okay with that.”