Lagatar24 Desk
Melbourn, March 23: Australia’s world number one Ashleigh Barty has announced retirement from professional tennis at the age of just 25 on Wednesday.
“I wasn’t quite sure of how I was gonna do this . . . it’s hard to say … 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,” Barty said in an emotional video posted on social media.
Barty also informed that she will also be holding a press conference to talk in detail about her decision to retire.
The WTA, on official Twitter handle released a statement following her announcement of retirement.
“Current WTA world number one Ashleigh Barty has today announced her retirement from professional tennis following a remarkable career at the top of the women’s game,” the WTA said.
For every young girl that has looked up to you.
For every one of us that you've inspired.
For your love of the game.
Thank you, @ashbarty for the incredible mark you've left on-court, off-court and in our hearts 💜 pic.twitter.com/6wp9fmO439
— wta (@WTA) March 23, 2022
“It’s extremely rare for a professional athlete in any sport to step away while at the very top of her game, but Barty leaves with a sterling set of credentials that will almost certainly land her in the International Tennis Hall of Fame,” the statement added.
Barty has been the world number one for over two years and has won three Grand Slam singles titles: the French Open in 2019, Wimbledon in 2021, and the Australian Open this year.