The Australian female tennis player, Ashleigh Barty, announced her retirement from tennis yesterday, 23 March 2022.
Barty was ranked number one before she called it quits in tennis and said she was leaving to “chase other dreams”.
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“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,” she said.
“I know that people may not understand it. I’m OK with that. Because I know that Ash Barty the person has so many dreams she wants to chase after that. Don’t necessarily involve travelling the world, being away from my family, from my home, which is where I’ve always wanted to be.”
Barty won three Grand Slam singles events, including this year’s Australian Open in January.
Barty said being a 2021 Wimbledon champion “changed my perspective” because she still “wasn’t quite fulfilled” when she achieved her ultimate personal goal in the sport.
Barty has reportedly collected $23.8m (£17.9m) in prize money in tennis.
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“I am so thankful for everything this sport has given me and leave feeling proud and fulfilled.
“For me, that is my success. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. I’ll always be grateful for the lifelong memories we created together,” added Barty.
Sources – BBC News, Sky Sports, WTA Tennis
