Ashleigh Barty, the world’s number one tennis player, has announced her retirement.

SYDNEY – World number one Ashleigh Barty startled the tennis world on Wednesday by announcing her early retirement at the age of only 25.

Barty made the announcement just weeks after becoming the first Australian Open champion in 44 years, joining tennis royalty’s most exclusive club by winning a Grand Slam title on three different surfaces.

“Today is a sad and emotional day for me as I announce my retirement from tennis,” she stated in an Instagram video.

Barty expressed her gratitude for “all this sport has given me” in a heartfelt video message with her close friend and former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua.

“I’m so thrilled, and I’m so prepared, and I just know in my heart that this is the right thing to do right now.” I’m grateful for all tennis has given me; it has fulfilled all of my ambitions and more.

“But I realise it’s time for me to move on and pursue other goals, so I’m putting down the racquets.”

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.

The Women’s Tennis Association tweeted, “Thank you for being a fantastic advocate for this sport and for women all over the world.” “Ash, we’ll miss you very much.”

Barty quickly rose to the top of the tour, with her dazzling array of slices, precision serving, and flawless forehand typifying her all-round game.