Current world number 1, Australian Ashleigh Barty has announced her retirement from professional tennis after winning three Grand Slams in the last three years.
“Today is a difficult and emotional day for me as I announce my retirement from tennis,” the 25-year-old wrote on social media.
“I am very grateful for everything this sport has given me and I leave proud and fulfilled. Thank you to everyone who supported me along the way, I will always be grateful for the lifelong memories we created together,” she continued.
The post included a video with former Australian tennis player Casey Dellacqua, in which Barty further explains his decision.
“It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time,” Barty said. After winning Wimbledon last year, which she describes as “the only real dream I ever wanted in tennis”, she had a “hunch” that only got stronger after winning the Australian Open earlier this year.
Those wins were “my perfect way to celebrate the incredible journey that has been my tennis career,” she said. “As a person, this is what I want. I want to chase other dreams that I always wanted to fulfill”.
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) commented on the world leader’s retirement in a press release.
“Ashleigh Barty, with her striking backhand and extreme competitiveness, has always led by example through the unwavering professionalism and sportsmanship she brings to every match,” said WTA President and CEO Steve Simon.
“With her achievements in Grand Slams, WTA Finals and reaching the top of the rankings, she has clearly established herself as one of the great champions of the WTA.”
Barty won 15 singles titles – including three Grand Slam titles – and 12 doubles titles on the WTA Tour, and was the first Australian to win the Australian Open singles title since 1978.
She becomes the second tennis player to retire at number 1 in the world, following the example of Justine Henin, who said goodbye to the sport in 2008.
After starting her professional tennis career in 2010, Barty took a break from the sport from 2014 to 2016, before returning full-time in 2017. She has become dominant in the sport, winning 25 of her last 26 matches.
Source: CNN Brasil
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