Ashleigh Barty announces shock retirement from tennis: 'Time to chase other dreams'

Three-time Grand Slam champion leaves the sport at 25 having spent 119 weeks as world No 1

Australia's Ashleigh Barty holds the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after defeating Danielle Collins in the Australian Open final on Saturday, January 29, 2022. AP

Australia's Ashleigh Barty, right, celebrates as she holds the Australian Open trophy with Danielle Collins of the US and former Australian Open champion Evonne Goolagong Cawley. Reuters

Australia's Ashleigh Barty celebrates after winning the Australian Open final against Danielle Collins in Melbourne. AFP

Ash Barty, right, of Australia is congratulated by Danielle Collins of the US after winning the Australian Open title. AP

Home favourite Ash Barty defeated USA's Danielle Collins to win the Australian Open title in Melbourne on Saturday, January 29, 2022. AP

Ashleigh Barty after winning a point during her women's singles final against Danielle Collins in the Australian Open at Melbourne Park. Getty

Australia's Ashleigh Barty hits a return against Danielle Collins. AFP

Danielle Collins reacts during the final in Melbourne. AFP

Spectators cheer during the women’s singles final match between Australia's Ashleigh Barty and Danielle Collins of the US. AFP

Danielle Collins speaks to chair umpire Marijana Veljovic during the Australian Open final. Getty

Fans cheer during the women’s singles final at the Australian Open. Getty

Danielle Collins during her final against Ashleigh Barty. AFP

World No 1 Ashleigh Barty announced her shock retirement at the age of 25 on Wednesday, weeks after ending Australia's 44-year wait for a home-grown Australian Open champion.

Barty leaves tennis having spent 119 weeks as the WTA Tour's top-ranked player and after winning three Grand Slam titles, her triumph at Melbourne Park last month following victories at the French Open in 2019 and Wimbledon in 2021.

"Today is difficult and filled with emotion for me as I announce my retirement from tennis," she said in a video posted on Instagram.

In the tearful video message with her close friend and former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua, Barty said she was "thankful for everything this sport has given me".

"I'm so happy, and I'm so ready and I just know at the moment in my heart as a person, this is right. I'm so grateful for everything that tennis has given me, it's given me all of my dreams plus more.

"But I know the time is now right for me to step away and chase other dreams and put the racquets down."

Barty was one of the most respected and admired players on tour among players and fans alike, with her dizzying array of slices, pinpoint serving and seamless forehand typifying her all-round game.

"Thank you for being an incredible ambassador for this sport and for women around the world," the Women's Tennis Association tweeted. "We will miss you so much, Ash."

Late last year, she became engaged to long-term boyfriend Garry Kissick, who was ever-present courtside when she played and often posted supportive messages on social media.

Barty had taken an indefinite break from tennis earlier on in her career, stepping away from the sport in 2014 and turning her efforts towards cricket, which she played for Brisbane Heat in the inaugural Women's Big Bash League. She returned in 2016 and earned her breakthrough singles title in Kuala Lumpur in 2017. In all, Barty won 15 singles titles and 12 doubles titles, including the three majors.

Tennis players swiftly took to social media to pay tribute to Barty and her career, with former world No 1 Simona Halep tweeting: "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?!"

Former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova wrote on Twitter: "Ash, I have no words ... actually you are showing your true class leaving tennis in this beautiful way. I am so happy I could share the court with you.. tennis will never be the same without you! I admire you as a player and a person.. wishing you only the best!"

Former men's world No 1, and fellow three-time Grand Slam champion, Andy Murray wrote: "Happy for @ashbarty, gutted for tennis. What a player."