Queensland, March 23: World No.1 Ashleigh Barty has stunned the tennis world, announcing her retirement from the sport at the age of just 25. The three-time Grand Slam winner dropped the bombshell news in a video post on Instagram. “Today is difficult and filled with emotion for me as I announce my retirement from tennis. I wasn’t sure how to share this news with you so I asked my good friend @caseydellacqua to help me,” Barty captioned the video.
“I am so thankful for everything this sport has given me and leave feeling proud and fulfilled. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, I’ll always be grateful for the lifelong memories that we created together.” Since beginning her professional tennis career in 2010, Barty collected 15 singles titles and 12 doubles titles on tour, the only player to win 15 or more singles titles and 10 or more doubles titles in that time frame.
The Australian won three Grand Slam singles titles on three different surfaces – 2019 Roland Garros, 2021 Wimbledon and most recently the Australian Open in 2022 – and spent 121 total weeks atop the WTA Rankings. Barty’s most recent triumph at the Australian Open will likely be remembered as her most impactful victory as she became the first Australian to win the title at her home Grand Slam event in 44 years, and in convincing fashion without dropping a set.
She becomes the second reigning World No.1 ranked woman to retire while gracing the top of the WTA Rankings. Justine Henin retired on May 14, 2008, after spending 61 consecutive weeks at No.1. Across all-levels of play, Barty posted a 305-102 record in singles and a 200-64 record in doubles. UNI
