(Sydney) A dramatic change in the world of tennis. Less than two months after winning the Australian Open, world number one Ashleigh Barty of Australia has announced her retirement.
Posted at 10:23 p.m.
Updated at 10:55 p.m.
The 25-year-old athlete posted a six-minute video on her Instagram account on Tuesday evening in which she explains her decision in the form of an interview with one of her good friends, former player Casey Dellacqua.
“There’s no right way or wrong way to do things, it’s just my way of doing them. For me, it’s perfect to do it with you, ”she says upfront.
“It’s the first time I’ve said it out loud and it’s hard, but I’m so happy and ready,” she adds. I know in my heart that this is the right time for me like no one else. »
Barty says she is grateful for all that tennis has given her over the years. When her friend asks her why she made this decision now, the Australian admits that she had been thinking about it for a while.
“I’ve had a lot of moments in my career that were pivotal moments. Wimbledon last year changed a lot of things for me as an individual and as an athlete. You work so hard your whole life for a purpose. And I’ve been able to share it with so many amazing people. But winning Wimbledon, which was the main goal of my career, made me see things from another angle. I just had this feeling after Wimbledon. »
The world number one says she wants to fulfill other dreams outside the tennis courts. She also mentions wanting to spend more time at home, with her loved ones.
“I’m exhausted,” she says. Physically, I have nothing more to give. For me, that’s success. I gave everything for this beautiful sport. I’m very happy with that. For me, this is my success. I know people might not understand, and that’s okay. I’m fine with that. »
“I will never stop loving tennis, she continues, smiling. It will always be a big part of my life. But I believe it’s time to enjoy the next stage of my life as a person, not an athlete. »
Ashleigh Barty has won 15 singles titles, including three Grand Slams, in her career.