Ash Barty makes shocking decision, retires from tennis while ranked no.1 in the world

Talk about riding off into the sunset while at the top of your game.

Ash Barty, the number 1 ranked female tennis player in the world, has shockingly announced her retirement from the sport at the age of 25. She made the announcement on a video posted on her official Instagram account.

“I just know at the moment, in my heart, for me as a person, this is right,” said a visibly emotional Barty.

“I don’t have the physical drive, the emotional want and everything it takes to challenge yourself at the very top level any more. I am spent.”

The Australian native was less than two months removed from winning the Australian Open on January 30th.

She cited chasing “other dreams” as another motivation to walk away from the sport. She also recently got engaged to PGA trainee professional Gary Kissick back in November, and spending more time with the love of her life was also an enticing factor.

Barty finishes her career with 15 career singles titles, three Grand Slam titles, and a 305–102 career singles record.