World number one Ashleigh Barty has announced her shock retirement from competitive tennis at the age of 25.
The Australian claimed three Grand Slam titles in a glittering career - winning the Australian Open in front of the home crowd earlier this year following French Open and Wimbledon triumphs in 2019 and 2021 respectively.
Barty pulled out of the Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open earlier this month following her Australian Open triumph citing fitness reasons, but the world number one has now decided to "chase other dreams".
Speaking to friend and former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua, Barty said: "I'll be retiring from tennis. It's the first time I've said that out loud and it's hard to say, but I'm so happy and I'm so ready.
"I just know at the moment in my heart for me as a person, this is right. And I just couldn't think 'there's no right way, there's no wrong way'. It's just my way and this is perfect for me to share it with you to talk to you about it with my team, my loved ones, that I'll be retiring from tennis.
"I'm so grateful for everything that tennis has given me, it's given me all of my dreams plus more but I know that the time is right for me to step away and chase other dreams.
"Wimbledon last year changed a lot for me as a person and for me as an athlete when you work so hard your whole life for one goal, and I've been able to share that with so many incredible people.
"But to be able to win Wimbledon, which was my dream, my one true dream that I wanted in tennis, that really changed my perspective. There was just a little part of me that wasn't quite satisfied. As a person this is what I want."
WTA chairman Steve Simon also paid tribute to the "tremendous" world number one, adding: "Ashleigh Barty with her signature slice backhand, complemented by being the ultimate competitor, has always led by example through the unwavering professionalism and sportsmanship she brought to every match.
"With her accomplishments at the Grand Slams, WTA Finals, and reaching the pinnacle ranking of No.1 in the world, she has clearly established herself as one the great champions of the WTA.
"We wish Ash only the very best and know that she will continue to be a tremendous ambassador for the sport of tennis as she embarks on this new chapter of her life. We will miss her."
Barty retires with 15 singles and 12 doubles titles to her name on the WTA circuit and registered a 305-102 record in singles matches throughout her famed career.
The 25-year-old is only the second female player to retire while sitting at the top of the WTA rankings, with Justine Henin doing so in 2008.
Ben Knapton
