Ash Barty shocked the sporting and entertainment worlds on Wednesday when she announced her retirement from professional tennis.
The 25-year-old Australian Open winner said she physically had “nothing more to give” and no longer has the drive to play tennis at an elite level.
“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,” Ash said in an emotional interview with former tennis player and close friend, Casey Dellacqua.
“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.
The World No.1 made the shock announcement on Wednesday, just two months after winning the Australian Open.
(Image: Getty)A number of sporting elites and celebrities took to social media to praise Ash for her incredible career and courage to walk away from the sport.
Model Elyse Knowles praised Ash for her courage to follow her heart, writing: “Total respect !! Living for your other dreams, and doing what you know it’s right for you!!! You deserve all the happiness life has to give moving forward xx.”
Aussie tennis star Sam Stosur congratulated The World No.1 for everything she’s achieved during her career, writing: “You’ve always done it your way so good for you to follow your heart and once again do it your way with this decision. Can’t wait to hear what is next for you but in the meantime enjoy retirement! 🙂”
Surfing legend Mick Fanning also took his hat off to the former Wimbledon winner: “You inspire so many as an athlete but I think the real inspiration for me is how you just be YOU! An honest, hard working and real person. Thank you 🙏🏼”
Ash’s close friend and fellow tennis player Dylan Alcott said she is “a champion in every sense of the word.”
(Image: Getty)Singing sensation Dannii Minogue said she can’t wait to see what Ash does next, commenting: “You are an inspiration and great role model. I’m so glad I got to see you win at the last Australian Open 🎾”
Olympic swimming legend Ian Thorpe, who knows all too well the pressures of being an elite athlete, told Ash: “I have rarely seen an athlete being cheered on in the way you were at the Oz Open! I hope you’re cheered on in the next step of your life.”
Australia’s wheelchair tennis golden boy Dylan Alcott gave props to his close friend, writing: “Ash Barty. Amazing tennis player but even better person. A champion in every sense of the word. Very proud of you mate ❤️.”
Romanian professional tennis star Simona Halep also joined in on the tributes, sharing on Twitter: “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.”
The Project host Carrie Bickmore praised Ash as an “absolute legend” while Rove McManus called the proud Ngarigo woman a “champion for life” and Hugh Jackman said she is “all class”.
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.
Ash also won the 2018 US Open in women’s doubles with Coco Vandeweghe.
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