‘Happy for Ash Barty, gutted for tennis’: Tennis fraternity reacts to Australian star’s shock retirement at 25
Barty shocked the sporting fraternity in general and the tennis community in particular with her decision to call it quits at the age of 25, at a time when she was on top of the WTA rankings.
Ashleigh Barty serves to US' Danielle Collins during the 2022 Australian Open women's singles final. AP
Ashleigh Barty, the top-ranked tennis player in the world, shocked the sporting fraternity by announcing her retirement at the age of 25. The Australian tennis star broke the big news in an emotional video on social media on Wednesday, 23 March. Barty was joined by commentator and former tennis player Casey Dellacqua.
In the video Barty addressed her pain of retiring from the sport, as well as her gratitude for the dreams she was able to accomplish during her short but illustrious career. She went on to say that it was the "right" time for her to put her "racquets down".
Several prominent personalities from around the world flooded the comments section of her post shortly after the video was released. Women's Tennis Association (WTA) praised Barty's contributions to the sport, calling her an "incredible ambassador for this sport and for women around the world."
In her post, the ace tennis player further mentioned that she would later hold a press conference to talk in detail regarding her retirement decision. Let's have a look at some more reactions of top players from the sport to Barty's sudden decision to draw curtains on her tennis career:
Congrats on an incredible career Ash It was a privilege to share a court with you. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter, @ashbarty. You will be missed ❤️ pic.twitter.com/bpL20nIUJQ
— Karolina Pliskova (@KaPliskova) March 23, 2022
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
Happy for @ashbarty gutted for tennis what a player❤️
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) March 23, 2022
An incredible tennis player but more importantly one of the nicest people on tour ♥️
Congratulations @ashbarty on an amazing career and good luck with what’s next! pic.twitter.com/Mhwzyf6nbX
— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) March 23, 2022
Nothing but RESPECT for you @ashbarty !!! All the best in your retirement and congratulations on your distinguished career ! pic.twitter.com/QUr77fPhYL
— Elina Monfils (@ElinaSvitolina) March 23, 2022
In her impressive career, Barty has won three Grand Slam women's singles titles: the French Open in 2019, Wimbledon in 2021 and the Australian Open in 2022. She won the most singles and doubles trophies during that time span, with 15 singles titles and 12 doubles titles.
Apart from creating magic on the tennis court, Barty had also made heads turn with the willow in hand in the Women's Big Bash League — Australia's franchise T20 League — representing the Brisbane Heat.
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