Australian Ashley Barty, No. 1 in the world, was shocked when she announced on Tuesday that she is retiring at the age of 25.
“It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time,” Barty said in an interview with her boyfriend Casey Delaqua, which was posted on social media.
“I no longer have the physical desire, the emotional desire and everything I need to overcome myself at the highest level. I am exhausted. (…) I know that, physically, I am at the end of my resources. I have nothing else to give to this wonderful sport. And I’m very happy with that. “I see it as my success,” he explained.
“I was not sure how to make this announcement. I thought there was no right or wrong way. It’s just mine. This is the first time I say it out loud. As difficult as it is to pronounce, I am ready and I am happy. “I know in my heart that for me as a human being, that’s the right thing to do,” he said.
In 2014, Barty left tennis for the first time to pursue a professional cricket career, before returning to the sport two years later.
“I am so grateful for everything this sport has given me. I leave tennis with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Thanks to everyone who supported me on this journey. I will love the moments we created together. »
Barty hangs his racket having won three Grand Slam titles on three different surfaces, namely Roland-Garros in 2019, Wimbledon in 2021 and most recently the Australian Open in front of his supporters in January 2022.
He will have 120 weeks at the top of the world rankings, which represents the seventh highest total in WTA history.
Only one other woman has left the sport at the top of the WTA rankings: Belgium’s Justin Henin, number one in the world when she retired in May 2008.
“Thank you for being an incredible ambassador for this sport and for women around the world,” the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) wrote on Twitter. “We will miss you very much, Ash. »
Barty, one of the most respected and beloved players in the circuit, quickly became the best, with her dizzying turn slicesits expensive service and impeccable forehand.
She got engaged last year to her longtime boyfriend, Garry Kissick, who was always on the floor when he was playing.
The reactions on social media
As expected, the reactions were quick, especially from Barty’s opponents on the field a while ago.
“Ash, what can I say, you know I have tears, don’t you?” Romania Simona Halep wrote on Twitter.
“My friend, I will miss you on the circuit. You were different and special and we shared wonderful moments. What awaits you? A Grand Slam title in golf ?! Be happy and enjoy your life to the fullest. »
Respect for Barti was equally evident in the reaction of the Czech Petra Kvitova.
“Ash, I have no words (…) in fact, you show your great class by leaving tennis in such a beautiful way. I am very happy that I was able to share the stadiums with you. Tennis will never be the same without you. I admire you as a player and as a person … I wish you the best! »
WTA executives have clarified that Barty held the No. 1 position in the world rankings for 114 consecutive weeks.
“Ashley Barty, with her signature, combined with an unrivaled racing momentum, always with example, displaying unwavering professionalism and athleticism in every game,” said WTA President and CEO Steve Simon.
“With her achievements in the Grand Slam tournaments, the WTA Finals and her rise to No. 1 in the world, she has clearly established herself as one of the great WTA champions. We wish Ash all the best and know that she will continue to be a huge ambassador for tennis as this new chapter in her life begins. “She will miss him,” Simon added.
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