Ashleigh Barty unexpectedly announced her career to the public a month before her 26th birthday. You want in the future “chasing other dreams”said Barty.
“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.”said Barty. “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 6: 3, 7: 6 (7: 2) in the final of the Australian Open on January 29 against Danielle Collins was her last appearance as an active player.
At the top of the world rankings for 114 weeks
For the first time since 1978, Barty had ensured a home triumph in Melbourne. Before that she already had Wimbledon (“That was my dream. The one big dream in tennis”) and won 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.
Career already interrupted
At the age of 18 she had already put her career on hold for almost two years due to the pressure and too much travel and played cricket professionally during the break. “I know I’ve done this before, but with a completely different feeling”she said now. “I am so grateful for everything tennis has given me. It has fulfilled all my dreams and more. But I know the time has come to step back and chase other dreams and put down the racquet.”
In her justification, 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 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.”
WTA boss and Prime Minister applaud Barty’s achievements
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison thanked Barty for her achievements. “It was great talking to you today Ash Barty and just saying, ‘Thank you Ash’, Morrison wrote in a tweet. WTA boss Steve Simon paid tribute to Barty as one of the “great champions of the WTA” and wished her all the best. “We will miss you.”
Source: dpa