Ashleigh Barty announces shock retirement from tennis: 'Time to chase other dreams'

World No 1 Ashleigh Barty announced her shock retirement at the age of 25 on Wednesday, weeks after ending Australia's 44-year wait for a home-grown Australian Open champion.

Barty leaves tennis having spent 119 weeks as the WTA Tour's top-ranked player and after winning three Grand Slam titles, her triumph at Melbourne Park last month following victories at the French Open in 2019 and Wimbledon in 2021.

"Today is difficult and filled with emotion for me as I announce my retirement from tennis," she said in a video posted on Instagram.

In the tearful video message with her close friend and former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua, Barty said she was "thankful for everything this sport has given me".

"I'm so happy, and I'm so ready and I just know at the moment in my heart as a person, this is right. I'm so grateful for everything that tennis has given me, it's given me all of my dreams plus more.

"But I know the time is now right for me to step away and chase other dreams and put the racquets down."

Barty was one of the most respected and admired players on tour among players and fans alike, with her dizzying array of slices, pinpoint serving and seamless forehand typifying her all-round game.

"Thank you for being an incredible ambassador for this sport and for women around the world," the Women's Tennis Association tweeted. "We will miss you so much, Ash."

A post shared by Ash Barty (@ashbarty)

Late last year, she became engaged to long-term boyfriend Garry Kissick, who was ever-present courtside when she played and often posted supportive messages on social media.

Barty had taken an indefinite break from tennis earlier on in her career, stepping away from the sport in 2014 and turning her efforts towards cricket, which