Ash Barty Retires from Tennis at Age 25; No. 1-Ranked Women's Player in World
March 23, 2022
Stunning news emerged from the tennis world Tuesday when Ash Barty announced her retirement.
The 25-year-old Aussie has stood atop the WTA's rankings since Sept. 9, 2019.
Barty explained her decision in a six-minute interview posted to her Instagram page. The post also contained this note:
"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."
Lindsay Gibbs of Power Plays transcribed and relayed some of Barty's comments:
Lindsay Gibbs @linzsports"I know that people may not understand it, and that's okay. I'm okay with that, because I know that for me, Ash Barty the person, has so many dreams she wants to chase after that don't necessarily involve travelling the world, being away from my family, being away from my home."
Barty is a three-time Grand Slam singles winner with victories in the 2019 French Open, 2021 Wimbledon and 2022 Australian Open.
She sports a career record of 305-102, including a perfect 11-0 mark this year. Barty's last match was a win over Danielle Collins in the Australian Open final.
Overall, Barty won 15 WTA singles titles and 12 doubles titles.
Barty endured a difficult stretch during the 2021 season.
After losing in the final of the Madrid Open, she suffered an arm injury during an Italian Open quarterfinal match in May.
A hip injury forced her out of the French Open in the midst of her second-round match three weeks later.
She returned in late June to compete at Wimbledon, and she defeated Karolina Pliskova on July 10 to win her first title at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
In January, Barty won the Australian Open, but physical ailments forced her off the court again.
She released a statement in early March explaining her decision to pull out of two tournaments, per the Australian Associated Press (h/t Yahoo Sports):
"I wanted to share an update on my schedule for the coming months. Unfortunately my body has not recovered the way I'd hoped after the Australian Open and I have not been able to adequately prepare for Indian Wells and Miami. I don't believe I am at the level necessary to win these events and as a result I have decided to withdraw from both tournaments. I love these events and am sad not to be there competing but getting my body right must be my focus."
Now Barty has decided to leave the game for good, and she ends her career as the best in the sport.
ESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfoWorld No. 1 Ashleigh Barty has retired.<br><br>She is the 4th player in the Open Era to have their final Grand Slam match be a win in the final:<br><br>- Flavia Pennetta (won 2015 US Open)<br>- Marion Bartoli (won 2013 Wimbledon)<br>- Ann Jones (won 1969 Wimbledon) <a href="https://t.co/aFiq563JQO">pic.twitter.com/aFiq563JQO</a>
José Morgado @josemorgadoBarty the 2nd of 27 WTA <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/1s?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#1s</a> that decides to retire on top. Henin did the same in 2008 but after a tough start of the year, where she lost badly to Sharapova in Melbourne.<br><br>Barty started 2022 11-0, with two titles and a 3rd Slam.<br><br>Surely the most shocking retirement I can remember
Lukas Weese @Weesesports🎾Roland Garros Champion (2019)<br>🎾Wimbledon Champion (2021)<br>🎾Australian Open Champion (2022)<br>🎾US Open Doubles Champion (2018)<br>🎾WTA Finals Champion (2019)<br>🎾WTA 1000 Champion (3x)<br>🎾15 WTA Titles<br>🎾World No. 1 (since June 2019)<br><br>Take a bow, Ash Barty. <a href="https://t.co/LxeDFI2Agu">pic.twitter.com/LxeDFI2Agu</a>
Many analysts and reporters applauded Barty as she stepped away:
Sam Vecenie @Sam_VecenieRespect the hell out of Ash Barty being like “I have accomplished literally everything I have set out to do, I’m ready to move on to do other things.” Kind of a baller move to go out as the best in the world at something in your prime because you’re ready for other things <a href="https://t.co/pWQRgKyrJy">https://t.co/pWQRgKyrJy</a>
Virginia Trioli @LaTrioliI love how Ash Barty has never defined herself by the work she does, the sport she plays. I love how she walks away when it’s not as much fun as it should be - and then walks into something else and is even stronger. Life lessons. Go well, Ash. <a href="https://twitter.com/ashbarty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashbarty</a>
Ava Wallace @avarwallaceWorld No. 1 Ash Barty retires at 25 ~2 months after winning the Australian Open, less than a year after her Wimbledon title. She also had, what, 9 mos straight without being able to go home last year? What strength to have done that, what strength to know when to say no more.
Barty won three of the last four tournaments she played, including the Australian Open, the Adelaide International and the Western & Southern Open.
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