Ash Barty retires: 5 moments that shaped her iconic tennis career

Australian tennis legend Ashleigh Barty has announced her retirement from the sport at just 25 years of age.

The world number one posted an emotional video on Instagram, in which she admitted the time was right for her to hang up her racquet and explore other endeavours.

“I am so thankful for everything this sport has given me and leave feeling proud and fulfilled,” she captioned the post. “Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, I’ll always be grateful for the lifelong memories that we created together.”

Following the surprising announcement, GiveMeSport Women looks back at Barty’s iconic career on the court and the five moments that shaped her as a world-dominating competitor.

While this may be the final decision for Barty, it’s certainly not the first time she has announced her retirement from tennis.

In 2014, the Aussie announced she was stepping away from the court to pursue a professional career in her other passion, cricket.

Despite having only ever played recreationally, Barty took to the sport naturally and impressed Queensland Fire coach Andy Richards, who brought her into training.

Barty moved from the Fire to join Brisbane Heat for the inaugural Women’s Big Bash League Twenty20 season.

After returning to tennis in 2016, Barty first started working with mentor Craig Tyzzer — a partnership that would take the Aussie to the highest heights.

Her first taste of Grand Slam glory came at the 2019 French Open, where she beat Markéta Vondroušová in the final.

Barty had played just two events on clay prior to her Roland-Garros triumph but showcased her natural versatility by winning the title with only four games dropped in the final.

Her win ended Australia’s 46-year wait for a French Open singles