'I Am Spent. Nothing To Give Physically': 3-Time Grand Slam Champion Ashleigh Barty Retires At 25

Ash Barty Retirement: "I don’t have the physical drive, the emotional want and everything it takes to challenge yourself for the top level, and I am spent. Physically I have nothing more to give."

Right when the tennis world thought that they have a new rising star in the form of Ashleigh Barty, the Austrailan ace decided to hang her boots at the age of 25. She made the announcement in an Instagram video while in conversation with former Australian tennis player, Casey Dellacqua. 

This news comes as a shock for the tennis community as Barty had won three grand slams in a space of just three years. While announcing her retirement, Ashleigh Barty said that she doesn't have the  'physical drive' and 'the emotional want' to continue playing tennis. 

"I will never stop loving tennis. But it’s time that I get to enjoy the next part of my life," Barty said in her retirement announcement video. 

Barty became the first homegrown Australian Open champion in 44 years. She was also a cricketer before becoming a tennis player. A tearful Barty, in the video message said, "I'm so happy, and I'm so ready and I just know at the moment in my heart as a person, this is right. I'm so grateful for everything that tennis has given me, it's given me all of my dreams plus more."

Read | Ashleigh Barty: Once A BBL Cricketer, Now In The Wimbledon Finals | Her Fairytale Journey

"Happiness wasn’t dependent on results for me. I know how much work it takes to take the best out of you," she added.

Explaining her reasons to stop playing the game after achieving top accolades, she said that she lacks the physical drive to go forward in tennis. "I don’t have the physical drive, the emotional want and everything it takes to challenge yourself for the very top level, and I am spent. Physically I have nothing more to give," Barty said.

"I know people might not understand that, but Ash Barty has so many dreams she wants to chase after that don’t necessarily involve travelling the world, being away from my family, being away from my home," she added.

Barty began her tennis career playing doubles. She even won a US Open title in 2018. Barty's high point was her 2019 Roland Garros singles title. Later, she also won Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2022 and 2021 respectively. 

"Thank you for being an incredible ambassador for this sport and for women around the world," the Women's Tennis Association tweeted. "We will miss you so much, Ash."