Australian tennis star Ash Barty has announced his retirement from tennis.
This was announced by Barty via his Instagram account.
“I do not have the physical drive, the emotional desire and everything it takes to challenge yourself on the top level anymore,” she told close friend Casey Dellacqua in an Instagram video.
“I just know I’m completely used up. I physically know I have nothing more to give and that’s success for me.
“I’ve given absolutely everything I can to this beautiful tennis sport, and I’m really happy about that.
“I’m so happy, I’m so ready, and I just know right now in my heart for me as a person that it’s right,” Barty added.
“I’ve done it before, though [this is] a very different feeling. I am so grateful for all that tennis has given me.
“It has given me all my dreams and more, but I know the time is right now for me to step away and chase other dreams and put the racket away from me.”
Barty ends his career with three major singles titles – French Open (2019), Wimbledon (2021) and this year’s Australian Open.
“I’ve had a lot of incredible moments in my career that have been crucial moments, and Wimbledon last year changed a lot for me as a person and as an athlete,” she said.
“When you work so hard all your life for a goal kunne to be able to win Wimbledon, which was the only true dream I wanted in tennis, it really changed my perspective.
“I just had that gut feeling after Wimbledon and there was just a little part of me that wasn’t completely satisfied that wasn’t completely fulfilled.
“And then came the challenge at the Australian Open, and it just feels like my perfect way to celebrate what an amazing journey my tennis career has been.”
Barty had previously walked away from tennis in late 2014 before returning to the sport – after a stint playing cricket at the WBBL – in 2016.
She won her first major three years later and climbed to the top of the world rankings.
“There was a shift in perspective in me in the second phase of my career that my happiness was not dependent on the results,” Barty said.
“Success for me is knowing that I have given absolutely everything I can. I know how much work it takes to get the best out of yourself.
Barty said she would explore other options in her life outside of tennis.
“For me, Ash Barty, the person has so many dreams that she wants to pursue that does not necessarily involve traveling the world, being away from my family, being away from home, and that’s where I want to be.
“I will never, ever, ever stop loving tennis, it will always be a big part of my life. But now I think it’s important that I’m going to enjoy the next phase of my life as Ash Barty, not Ash.Athlete Barty.
“It was hard [making the decision to retire] but that’s right and I know it gave me lots of comfort as I know this is the right thing for me. I am very excited.”