
Ashleigh Barty left the sporting world in shock by announcing her sudden retirement on Wednesday. While everyone was waiting for her comeback after her tremendous run and Australian Open triumph, the 25-year-old surprised the world with her decision.
You did it your way, Ash 👋
So proud of your accomplishments and how you have represented Australia on the world stage 💙 @ashbarty pic.twitter.com/WgNbFsOgxO
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) March 23, 2022
Barty will be having a press conference tomorrow regarding her decision to retire. Players couldn’t believe the news as everyone was waiting to witness more of her greatness. The sporting fraternity pays tribute wishing her well for life and a happy retirement.
Former doubles World No. 1 and six times Grand Slam champion Sania Mirza from India wishes luck for Barty at her next phase of life. The Indian labelled her an “inspiration” and tweeted, “What a legend Ash Barty…tennis will miss you…unbelievable role model on and off the court…good luck for this next phase.”
What a legend @ashbarty .. tennis will miss you .. unbelievable role model on and off the court .. good luck mate for this next phase 👏🏽 #inspiration
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) March 23, 2022
Former World No. 1 British professional Andy Murray was also quick to wish the Australian luck. “Happy for Ash Barty gutted for tennis. What a player,” he wrote on his Twitter.
Happy for @ashbarty gutted for tennis 🎾 what a player❤️
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) March 23, 2022
Another former World No. 1 player Simona Halep said she will miss Barty on tour. The Romanian stated that she was in tears because of the news.
Ash, what can I say, you know I have tears right? My friend, I will miss you on tour. You were different, and special, and we shared some amazing moments. What's next for you? Grand Slam champion in golf?! Be happy and enjoy your life to the max xo Simo@ashbarty pic.twitter.com/WbX7kXnJ1l
— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) March 23, 2022
Petra Kvitova, Kirsten Flipkens, Karolina Pliskova, Dylan Alcott also shared their emotions for World No. 1.
Ash, you always did everything the exact way YOU wanted to do it and not what others told you to do. Your own way, own path.. That is what I appreciate and respect so much about you. I will miss my slice buddy on tour 🙏 Congrats champ and all the best! #1 @ashbarty
— Kirsten Flipkens (@FlipperKF) March 23, 2022
Ash, I have no words… actually you are showing your true class leaving tennis in this beautiful way.
I am so happy I could share the court with you.. tennis will never be the same without you! I admire you as a player and a person.. wishing you only the best! ❤️@ashbarty
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) March 23, 2022
Congrats on an incredible career Ash 🙏 It was a privilege to share a court with you. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter, @ashbarty. You will be missed 🥺❤️ pic.twitter.com/bpL20nIUJQ
— Karolina Pliskova (@KaPliskova) March 23, 2022