The tennis world has reacted in shock to the news of World No.1 tennis player Ashleigh Barty retiring from the game at the age of 25. The three-time Grand Slam champion made the shocking announcement on her social media saying that she wanted ‘chase other dreams.’
Barty said in a video posted on her Instagram, “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. 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 ????
“More to come tomorrow at my press conference.”
The news of Barty’s retirement from professional tennis left the tennis world stunned. Five-time Grand Slam Champion Andy Murray tweeted, “Happy for
@ashbarty gutted for tennis ???? what a player❤️.”
Happy for @ashbarty gutted for tennis ???? what a player❤️
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) March 23, 2022
Former World No.1 Simona Halep tweeted, “Ash, what can I say, you know I have tears right? My friend, I will miss you on tour. You were different, and special, and we shared some amazing moments. What’s next for you? Grand Slam champion in golf?! Be happy and enjoy your life to the max xo Simo.”
Halep, a two-time Grand Slam winner, has been a close friend of Barty.
Ash, what can I say, you know I have tears right? My friend, I will miss you on tour. You were different, and special, and we shared some amazing moments. What's next for you? Grand Slam champion in golf?! Be happy and enjoy your life to the max xo Simo@ashbarty pic.twitter.com/WbX7kXnJ1l
— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) March 23, 2022
Barty had won this year’s Australian Open Women Singles title. She has remained World No. 1 player since winning her first Grand Slam at the French Open in 2019 – a run of 114 consecutive weeks.