MELBOURNE (Reuters). – Ash Barty, the world number one in tennis has announced her intention to retire at age 25. This was due to her satisfaction with her tennis career and her fatigue at playing on Tour.

In less than two months, she retires with 15 titles. This is her third Grand Slam singles victory after the 2021 Wimbledon, 2019 French Open.

In a post on Instagram, Ash Barty stated that she has many dreams for Ash Barty, but they don’t involve traveling the world or being far from her family.

“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.”

As world number one, she spent an incredible 121 weeks.

Barty has now retired from cycling for the second time. Barty had quit the sport in 2014 as a teenager, disillusioned with the Tour.

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

She said, “I know this has happened before,” in an Instagram video she posted with Casey Dellacqua, her former doubles partner.

“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 president, paid tributes to an athlete who became synonymous with great sportsmanship. She also won admirers worldwide for her excellent tennis skills and easygoing demeanour.

“Ashleigh Barty with her signature slice backhand, complemented by being the ultimate competitor, has always led by example through the unwavering professionalism and sportsmanship she brought to every match,” said Simon.

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