Australia, 23 March 2022 | tennis.com.au

World No.1 Ash Barty has stunned the tennis community, announcing her retirement from the sport.

The reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion shared an emotional video on her social media channels, where she detailed “I don’t have the physical drive, the emotional want, and everything it takes to challenge yourself at the very top of the level anymore”.

“I’ve given everything I can to this beautiful sport of tennis. I’m really happy with that. For me, that is my success,” Barty said.

https://twitter.com/TennisAustralia/status/1506466122924580868?s=20&t=ES2w6RrgNHPeycgCE3L2EA

The 25-year-old’s announcement led to an outpouring of love on social media.

These are some of the reactions from across the world, beginning with Barty’s Australian peers …

Daria Saville and Thanasi Kokkinakis shared their respect:

https://twitter.com/Daria_gav/status/1506458573680881667?s=20&t=ES2w6RrgNHPeycgCE3L2EA

https://twitter.com/TKokkinakis/status/1506456628417032193?s=20&t=ES2w6RrgNHPeycgCE3L2EA

Dylan Alcott, who also recently retired while ranked world No.1, is proud:

Ash Barty. Amazing tennis player but even better person. A champion in every sense of the word. Very proud of you mate ❤️

— Dylan Alcott (@DylanAlcott) March 23, 2022

Lizette Cabrera described Ash’s impact as “remarkable”:

https://twitter.com/lizzycabrera97/status/1506463980428357637?s=20&t=ES2w6RrgNHPeycgCE3L2EA

Priscilla Hon and Ellen Perez said thanks:

https://twitter.com/pribo98/status/1506513332206903296?s=20&t=va9vaLJ_LRDY-7EeP3L1Yg

https://twitter.com/EllenPerez95/status/1506507677416898569?s=20&t=va9vaLJ_LRDY-7EeP3L1Yg

Arina Rodionova and Rennae Stubbs couldn’t hide their surprise:

Holy shit. Happy retirement Ash!

— Arina Rodionova (@arinarodionova) March 23, 2022

OMG!

— Rennae Stubbs OLY (@rennaestubbs) March 23, 2022

Paul McNamee is also shocked:

https://twitter.com/PaulFMcNamee/status/1506459481663684611?s=20&t=ES2w6RrgNHPeycgCE3L2EA

Darren Cahill described Ash as “a true Aussie legend”:

https://twitter.com/darren_cahill/status/1506458513635430404?s=20&t=ES2w6RrgNHPeycgCE3L2EA

So did John Peers, her Olympic mixed doubles partner:

Congrats @ashbarty on an incredible career! You are a true legend! Enjoy the next stage of your life.

— John Peers (@johnwpeers) March 23, 2022

The news impacted many different players from all over the world too …

British former world No.1 Andy Murray led the tributes:

https://twitter.com/andy_murray/status/1506459998838267910?s=20&t=ES2w6RrgNHPeycgCE3L2EA

Romanian Grand Slam champion Simona Halep is in tears:

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

American great Tracy Austin, also a former world No.1, shared well wishes:

https://twitter.com/thetracyaustin/status/1506462977259495425?s=20&t=ES2w6RrgNHPeycgCE3L2EA

German Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber shared congratulations:

https://twitter.com/AngeliqueKerber/status/1506624729792356355?s=20&t=va9vaLJ_LRDY-7EeP3L1Yg

Czech stars Petra Kvitova, a two-time Wimbledon champion, and Karolina Pliskova, the Wimbledon 2021 finalist, detailed their admiration:

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

https://twitter.com/KaPliskova/status/1506462032413011974?s=20&t=ES2w6RrgNHPeycgCE3L2EA

Indian champion Sania Mirza described Ash as a “role model on and off the court”:

https://twitter.com/MirzaSania/status/1506474541413023745?s=20&t=ES2w6RrgNHPeycgCE3L2EA

American Madison Keys labelled Ash “one of the nicest people on tour”:

An incredible tennis player but more importantly one of the nicest people on tour ♥️

Congratulations @ashbarty on an amazing career and good luck with what’s next! pic.twitter.com/Mhwzyf6nbX

— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) March 23, 2022

While American player Shelby Rogers declared Ash “one of the best human beings I’ve ever met”:

https://twitter.com/Shelby_Rogers_/status/1506455895059877891?s=20&t=ES2w6RrgNHPeycgCE3L2EA

Book online, play today: Visit play.tennis.com.au to get out on court and have some fun!