Reaction to world number one Ash Barty's retirement

Following is reaction to Australia's world number one Ash Barty's retirement from professional tennis at the age of 25.

AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER SCOTT MORRISON

"I particularly want to say 'thank you' to you, Ash, for inspiring a generation of young people and particularly a generation of young indigenous people in this country.

"None of us will forget, of course, the triumphant win in Wimbledon and none of us will ever forget that incredible comeback down there at the Australian Open this year, which once again showed everybody what you can do when you really apply yourself."

WOMEN'S TENNIS ASSOCIATION (WTA) CEO STEVE SIMON

"With her accomplishments at the Grand Slams, WTA Finals and reaching the pinnacle ranking of No.1 in the world, she has clearly established herself as one of the great champions of the WTA.

"We wish Ash only the very best and know that she will continue to be a tremendous ambassador for the sport of tennis as she embarks on this new chapter of her life. We will miss her."

TENNIS AUSTRALIA CEO CRAIG TILEY, TO SKY NEWS

"One of the highlights in my career was standing next to her after she won (the Australian Open) and I never would have thought that three months later we would have been having this conversation about Ash retiring.

"It's once in a lifetime that someone like Ash comes along. But whatever she does, she's going to achieve great things and we respect her decision."

AUSTRALIAN GREAT AND LONG-TIME FRIEND EVONNE GOOLAGONG CAWLEY

"I'm so supportive of Ash, and making a decision that is best for her and makes her happy. I can't wait to see what the next chapter brings, and to watch Ash achieve her dreams post-tennis."

AUSTRALIAN COACH DARREN CAHILL

"An incredible role model for so many, not only in our