Tennis Players Praise Ash Barty Following Her Retirement Announcement

Various former World No. 1 players praised the Australian for her accomplishments in her career.

Three-time grand slam winner and current World No. 1 Ash Barty announced on Tuesday that she is retiring from tennis after a nearly 12-year career.

The 25-year-old Australian shared that she knew the time was right to retire and follow her other dreams after she won the Australian Open back in January. 

The tennis world reacted to Barty’s announcement that she is putting “the rackets down.”

Various tennis players praised Barty for her incredible tennis career, in which she has won 15 titles in singles, along with sharing sadness for the young player to be leaving the sport so soon.

Former World No. 1 Simona Halep joked that Barty’s next step would be a “Grand Slam champion in golf.”

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

Another former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova shared an image of the two players hugging following the Wimbledon final last year. Barty beat Pliskova to accomplish her “dream” of winning the grass court grand slam, she admitted in her retirement announcement.

Congrats on an incredible career Ash 🙏 It was a privilege to share a court with you. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter, @ashbarty. You will be missed 🥺❤️ pic.twitter.com/bpL20nIUJQ

— Karolina Pliskova (@KaPliskova) March 23, 2022

Two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova said Barty is “showing your true class leaving tennis in this beautiful way.”

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

American Madison Keys reiterated the other sentiments by wishing Barty good luck on whatever she pursues next.

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

Former World No. 1 Andy Murray shared a short, but thoughtful message about Barty.

Happy for @ashbarty gutted for tennis 🎾 what a player❤️

— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) March 23, 2022