Sydney (AP) – Ashleigh Barty bravely and in remarkable words explained for a good five minutes why she surprisingly ended her career a month before her 26th birthday and would like to “chase other dreams” in the future.
At the end of her resignation message, the number one in the world tennis rankings had to cry. After talking to her former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua, she thanks her compatriot, remembers the many great moments and hugs her friend with tears. The emotions were then too great for the sport.
From Perth to Sydney, the news spread like wildfire on Instagram shortly after it was posted. Media spoke of the “shocking” announcement, but also celebrated the popular athlete’s “humility and grace” and her courage to retire at the peak of her impressive career. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison spontaneously picked up the phone and personally thanked Barty for her achievements.
At the top of the world rankings for 114 weeks
The 6: 3, 7: 6 (7: 2) at the Australian Open on January 29 against Danielle Collins was her last appearance as an active player. For the first time since 1978, Barty had ensured a home triumph in Melbourne. She had previously won Wimbledon (“That was my dream. The one big dream in tennis”) and the French Open.
The Ipswich-born right-hander has also been at the top of the world rankings for 114 weeks – only three players have had a longer streak than her: Steffi Graf (186), Serena Williams (186) and Martina Navratilova (156). In total, she was number one in the world for 121 weeks, winning 25 of the past 26 matches. Barty is at his peak and still young. Nevertheless, she breaks up – because she can no longer and does not want to.
“I don’t have that in me anymore. The physical drive, that emotional desire and everything it takes to put yourself at the absolute top. I’m wasted,” Barty said. “I gave everything and that’s success for me. I’m very happy with that. I know that people might not understand that. That’s okay.”
The decision was “hard but right” for her, she emphasized, adding: “I will never stop loving tennis.” But other dreams are waiting – it’s not for nothing that Barty doesn’t use a word as often as “dreams” in her message. Leading the way is her longtime friend, professional golfer Garry Kissick. The couple announced their engagement last year. Barty is considered down-to-earth, a family man. Her goals today simply no longer include “travelling around the world and being away from my family, from my home,” she said.
“Ash, what can I say, you know I’m in tears, right?” Former Romanian Wimbledon champion Simona Halep addressed the multi-sport talent Barty: “I will miss you on the tour. You were different and special , and we shared incredible moments. What’s next for you? Grand Slam champion in golf?! Be happy and enjoy your life to the maximum”.
Happiness does not depend on results
At 18, Barty had already put her career on hold for almost two years due to pressure and too much travel, playing cricket professionally during the break. “I know I’ve done this before, but with a completely different feeling,” she said. “I am so thankful for everything tennis has given me. It has fulfilled all my dreams and more.”
Barty explained that after the break, she no longer defined success in terms of results. “In the second phase of my career there was this awareness that my happiness does not depend on the results. Success for me is knowing that I gave everything,” she said. “It’s important now that I get to enjoy this next phase of my life as Ash Barty the person. Not Ash Barty the athlete.”
Clear words, which found a lot of recognition in the first reactions. WTA boss Steve Simon recognized Barty as “one of the great champions of the WTA”. The Prime Minister of Queensland, where Barty was born, congratulated her on her “amazing career”. Barty is “a champion on and off the tennis court” and a great role model, according to Annastacia Palaszczuk. “Thank you for inspiring us all to do our best.” Germany’s women’s tennis boss Barbara Rittner tweeted in English: “Oh no… We will miss you and your way of playing.” And from the Australian Open it said: “We will always be here to cheer you on for the next chapter of your life.”
Barty’s compatriot Todd Woodbridge, one of the most successful doubles players in tennis history, said he considers Barty one of the most talented tennis players of the past 20 years. And sports reporter Phil Lutton commented in the Sydney Morning Herald that tennis came so naturally to Barty’s being “as if she were born with a few strands of tennis strings in her DNA.” Meanwhile, the first demands were not long in coming to rename the Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne, the venue for the Australian Open – Ash Barty Arena.
Prime Minister: “You inspired the nation”
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison personally thanked Barty for her services. “It was great talking to you today Ash Barty and just saying, ‘Thank you Ash,'” Morrison wrote in a tweet.
“Thank you for inspiring the nation. You’re just great,” said the head of government. The athlete’s achievements would be celebrated forever. “On behalf of all Australians, I wish you and your fiancé Garry all the best in your marriage and in your new life together.”