"Gutted for tennis": Ashleigh Barty's peers react to her sudden retirement
Tributes from current and former WTA & ATP players and coaches poured in for the 25-year-old Australian, who revealed on Instagram she is hanging up her racquet.
Late Tuesday evening (Wednesday afternoon in Australia), three-time major singles champion Ashleigh Barty shocked the tennis world when she announced her retirement from the WTA Tour at the age of 25 on her Instagram.
Barty had won two of the last three majors in maintaining her place atop the rankings, celebrating her 114th consecutive week as world No. 1 with Monday's published rankings and 121st overall. She joins Justine Henin as the only WTA players to retire while occupying the No. 1 ranking.
Peers from her sport jumped to social media to share their congratulations, surprise and most of all, love for the Queenslander. She previously took an 18-month hiatus from tennis following the 2014 US Open, but said this occasion was "different" in the interview with Casey Dellacqua she posted.
"I’ll never, ever, ever stop loving tennis. It’ll always be a massive part of my life but now I think it’s important I get to enjoy the next phase of my life as Ash Barty the person," she said.
On the Instagram post where Barty uploaded a video with best friend Casey Dellacqua explaining the decision, fellow Australian Sam Stosur stated, "Congrats for all you have achieved Ash. Incredible career! Like Case said- you’ve always done it your way so good for you to follow your heart and once again do it your way with this decision. Can’t wait to hear what is next for you but in the meantime enjoy retirement!"
Said Sloane Stephens, "We love you Ash." Added Caroline Garcia, "I'm going to miss you so much. Congrats on an unbelievable career. Enjoy life."
Kiki Bertens, who stepped away from the game following the Tokyo Olympics last year, declared, "Welcome to the club Ash. Congrats on an amazing career, I’m so proud of everything you have achieved! And even more proud of the decision you make now. Enjoy the time with your loved ones now and hopefully see you soon for that BBQ!!"
The No. 1-ranked women's golfer Nelly Korda, sister of ATP player Sebastian Korda, wrote, "Time to hit the links! Congratulations on an amazing career." Former PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas echoed the sentiment. "Legend! Congrats on an amazing career. Time for more [golf emoji]."
Messages immediately poured in for Barty. We'll keep embedding these as they come in: