Ash Barty is the current world number 1 and has made the decision to quit professional tennis after reaching the height of her career at age 25.

Two months ago, after her win at the Australian Open, which was her third Grand Slam singles title, and the 2021 Wimbledon and the 2019 French Open, she retired with fifteen titles.

She said, “Ash Barty is a person who has so many dreams that don’t necessarily include travelling the globe, being apart from my family or being away my home which I always wanted to be,” in an Instagram video.

“I will never stop enjoying tennis. It’s been an integral part of our lives. But, I believe it is important to be Ash Barty, the person and not Ash Barty, the athlete, in the next phase of my life.”

The total time she was world number 1 was 121.

Barty has now retired from cycling for the second time. Barty had quit the sport as a teenager, disillusioned with the Tour.

Her return in 2016 was a rapid climb up the rankings.

In the Instagram video, she shared her feelings with Casey Dellacqua (her former doubles partner): “I’m sure I’ve done it before. But in a completely different way.”

“I am so thankful for tennis. It’s allowed me to pursue all my dreams plus many more. But I also know that the right time now is to get away to chase other dreams and put down the racquets.”

Steve Simon, WTA chief paid tribute to the player who is synonymous with sportsmanship and has won over fans around the world for her amazing tennis and relaxed demeanour.

Simon said that Ashleigh Barty, with her trademark slice backhand and a great competitor, led the way by setting an example by bringing unwavering professionalism to each match.

She has established herself as one of the greatest champions in WTA tennis with her achievements at Grand Slams and WTA Finals.