'Fulfilled' Barty announces shock retirement

SYDNEY－World No 1 Ashleigh Barty stunned tennis on Wednesday by announcing her retirement from the sport aged just 25, saying she had fulfilled her dreams and was "physically spent".

Barty dropped the bombshell weeks after becoming the first home Australian Open champion in 44 years and so winning a Grand Slam crown on three different surfaces.

In a tearful social media video message with her close friend and former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua, Barty said she was "so ready" to call it quits after achieving her lifetime ambition to win Wimbledon last year.

"Success for me is knowing that I've given absolutely everything, everything I can. I'm fulfilled, I'm happy and I know how much work it takes to bring the best out of yourself," said the three-time Grand Slam winner.

"It's just I don't have that in me anymore. 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.

"I think I just know that I'm absolutely, I am spent. I just know physically I had nothing more to give and that for me is success."

One of the most respected and loved players on tour, Barty also became the best－with her dizzying array of slices, pinpoint serving and seamless forehand.

Few athletes can boast such a varied resume as the down-to-earth Aussie.

She began playing tennis as a child in Brisbane and went on to win the junior Wimbledon title as a 15-year-old in 2011.

Three years later, she ditched tennis for cricket, signing for Brisbane Heat, but returned after a season out to break through for her maiden Grand Slam triumph at the French Open in 2019.

Barty finally won a cherished Wimbledon crown last year before her Australian Open triumph in January, storming back from 5-1 down in the second set against American Danielle Collins to triumph 6-3, 7-6 (2).

"It's something I've been thinking about for a long time," she said of retirement.

"To be able to win Wimbledon, which was my dream, the one true dream that I wanted in tennis, that really changed my perspective. And I just had that gut feeling after Wimbledon and had spoken to my team quite a lot about it.

"And there was just a little part of me that wasn't quite satisfied, wasn't quite fulfilled. And then came the challenge of the Australian Open and I think that for me just feels like the most perfect way."

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) praised Barty as "an incredible ambassador for the sport".

"For every young girl that has looked up to you. For every one of us that you've inspired. For your love of the game, thank you, @ashbarty, for the incredible mark you've left on court, off court and in our hearts," the WTA said.

Karolina Pliskova, who Barty defeated in last year's Wimbledon final, congratulated the Australian for an "incredible career".

"It was a privilege to share a court with you," tweeted the Czech. "You will be missed."

Britain's three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray said on Twitter: "Happy for @ashbarty. Gutted for tennis. What a player."

Romania's Simona Halep addressed Barty directly: "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."

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison also paid tribute.

"I do want to say thank you, Ash, for inspiring a country, inspiring a nation, at a time when this country really needed a good shot in the arm," he said.

Barty has been world No 1 for over two years and said after her Australian Open win that she wanted time to consider her next move.

Late last year she became engaged to long-term boyfriend Garry Kissick, who was ever-present courtside when she played.

AFP