Anyone who tried to understand the reason for the retirement of the number 1 tennis player in the world, Ashleigh Barty, 25, found clues in January of this year. After winning the Australian Open title in her home country, she said she was excited about the future. But she did not cite any goals in the sport.
Owner of 15 titles in individual tournaments, three Grand Slams and after receiving US$ 23 million (R$ 111.6 million at the current price) in prizes, she announced this Wednesday (23) the decision to stop playing.
“There is no right way or wrong way. There is only my way. I know in my heart and for me as a person this is right. Tennis has fulfilled all my dreams possible, but I know it’s mine time to pursue other dreams”, he said, without going into details.
She signaled, in the interview with Casey Dellacqua, her former tag team partner, that winning in Australia was something of a letdown and she realized that she had achieved everything she could in high-level sport. Ashleigh was the first tennis player in the country to win the tournament in 44 years.
Before the conquest, she stopped for about two months to rest and recharge her energies before the final effort to win the Grand Slam at home.
“You work so hard in your life for a goal… To win Wimbledon, which was my real dream, changed my perspective as a person. I had a feeling inside that I wasn’t satisfied. And then came the challenge of the Australian Open. . It was the perfect way to celebrate the wonderful journey that has been my career,” he explained.
Ashleigh’s decision was unprecedented. No number 1 tennis player in the world at such a young age has ever decided to leave the courts. She did not cite any type of physical problem or injury. She defined just being exhausted.
“I don’t have anything else to give, and that means success to me. I gave everything I had for this sport. I’m really happy about that. I’ve reached the point where success doesn’t depend on results.”
For men, the main names are still active after the age of 30, as is also common among women. Roger Federer is still on the circuit at 40. Rafael Nadal is 35, and Novak Djokovic is 34. Ashleigh Barty has been ranked number 1 since 2019.
“I know people might not understand. I’m ok with that. Asheigh Barty, the person, has a lot of dreams that she wants to fulfill that don’t involve traveling around the world and being away from my family.”
Last year, she got engaged to her longtime boyfriend Garry Kissick, who is often present when she plays games and posts supportive messages on social media.
The announcement surprised and caused reactions in the tennis world. Not even the WTA, which manages the women’s tournament circuit, knew that the announcement of its star athlete’s retirement was imminent.
“For each of us you inspired. For your love for the sport. Thank you Ashleigh Barty for the incredible imprint you left on court, off the court and in our hearts.”
Among the other ten best-placed tennis players on the WTA list, Ashleigh received public messages from Czech Karolina Pliskova (number 8) and Tunisian Nos Jabeur (10).
“Congratulations on an amazing career Ash. It was a privilege to share a court with you. I wish you all the best in your next chapter,” wrote Pliskova.
Jabeur shared a title photo of the duos he won with Barty when they were juveniles. The Tunisian called the Australian one “a real inspiration”.
Britain’s Andy Murray, three-time Grand Slam tournament winner, tweeted: “Happy for Ashleigh Barty. Sad for tennis. What a player!”
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison paid tribute to the tennis player. “I want to thank you, Ash, for inspiring a country, inspiring a nation at a time when the country really needs it,” said the politician.
The now ex-athlete did not go into details about what she plans for the future and should give a new interview this Thursday (24). She just claimed to continue to love tennis.
“It’s scary,” he summed up, about the prospect of abandoning the sport he’s been playing since childhood and starting a new life at 25.
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