Ash Barty has announced she will be retiring from professional tennis, admitting she no longer has “the physical drive” to compete at the top level.
The World No.1 made the shock announcement on Wednesday, just two months after winning the Australian Open.
“It’s something that I’ve been thinking about for a long time,” the 25-year-old said in an emotional interview with former tennis player and close friend, Casey Dellacqua.
The World No.1 made the shock announcement on Wednesday, just two months after winning the Australian Open.
(Image: Getty)“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.”
“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.
Ash said she discussed the decision to retire with her team “multiple times”, adding that she “just doesn’t have it in [her] anymore”.
“I’m so grateful to everything that tennis has given me.”
(Image: Getty)“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,” she said.
“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 OK. I’m OK with that.”
The beloved Aussie tennis star said she knows in her heart that this is the right time to step away from the sport.
“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,” she continued.
Later during the sit-down chat with Casey, Ash thanked everyone who has supported her along the way, saying she will be grateful for the “lifelong memories”.
“I’ve had a lot of incredible moments in my career. That have been pivotal moments,” she said.
“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,” she said.
Ash said she no longer has the physical drive to play tennis at an elite level.
(Image: Getty)“But to be able to win Wimbledon, which was my dream, my one true dream that I wanted in tennis, that really changed my perspective.”
During Ash’s incredible career she won three Grand Slam singles titles; her first at the French Open in 2019, before winning Wimbledon in 2021 and the Australian Open in January this year.
The proud Ngarigo woman also won the 2018 US Open in women’s doubles with Coco Vandeweghe.
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