Andy Murray among thousands to pay tribute to Ash Barty’s inspiring career

The news of Ashleigh Barty’s retirement from tennis has stunned the world.

The Australian star has decided to hang up her racquet at just 25 years of age, citing that now feels like the right time to end her career on the ultimate high.

Barty leaves the court as number one in the world rankings and the reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion.

She announced her retirement on Instagram via an emotional video of her chatting with her friend and former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua.

When explaining her decision to her fellow Aussie, Barty said: “It’s hard to say, but I’m so happy and I’m so ready and I just know at the moment in my heart, for me as a person, this is right.”

In the wake of the surprise announcement, thousands of supporters around the world have flocked to share their thoughts on the news and to wish Barty luck in her next chapter.

Among the outpour of support, fellow tennis icons including Andy Murray have expressed their feelings over the retirement of a trailblazer who was still very much on the rise.

Murray voiced his split mindset over the news in a recent Twitter post, stating he is “happy for Ash Barty” but “gutted for tennis.”

Happy for @ashbarty gutted for tennis