Rafael Nadal tribute shared by Ash Barty after retirement as Spaniard 'amazing for tennis'

Rafael Nadal has been praised for his dedication by Ash Barty off the back of her retirement. The world No 1 made the shock decision to walk away from tennis earlier this week despite being the world's current best WTA player and the reigning champion of both Wimbledon and the Australian Open.

Barty stunned the tennis world on Wednesday when she announced she would be retiring from the sport aged just 25, while sitting atop the rankings and holding three Grand Slam titles. She had started the season 11-0 after winning Adelaide and the Australian Open, ending a 44-year wait for an Aussie women's singles champion, before announcing she would skip Indian Wells and Miami.

The Queenslander was set to represent Australia in their Billie Jean King Cup tie next month in Brisbane but it was called off after Russia's ban from the competitions saw Australia gain direct entry to the Finals and Barty subsequently retired, admitting she would have used the BJK Cup clash as her farewell event in her home state. Barty admitted she had lost her drive after achieving her goal of winning Wimbledon last summer.

"I don't have the physical drive, the emotional want and everything it takes to challenge yourself at the very top of the level any more. I am spent," she told good friend and former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua in her retirement interview video. The following day the 15-time title winner elaborated on her decision in a press conference and took a moment to praise Rafael Nadal for his ability to stay motivated.

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"You think of Rafael Nadal as someone whose longevity in the sport has been undeniable," the recent Aussie Open champion said. "He's been amazing for