'She played for the love of the game!' - Barty different to 'freaks' like Roger Federer & Serena, says Mats Wilander

Mats Wilander has had his say after Ashleigh Barty made a shock announcement that she will retire from professional tennis at the age of just 25. The seven-time Grand Slam winner says that — contrary to other top professionals — a love of the game had led to Barty becoming a professional, and a change in priorities following the hardships of the Covid-19 pandemic may have influenced her decision to retire from the game at the age of 25. Ad/> “I think for me, Ash Barty represents sports more than she represents tennis,” began Wilander.

“She represents sports. TennisOpinion: Barty shuns longevity to bow out on her own terms — and deserves praise10 HOURS AGO «I think she was introduced to sports at a very young age and she was having fun doing sports, playing sports. “And I think she played for the enjoyment of the sport rather than it becoming a job.

And I think the difference is that a lot of players on tour, they are basically put in the tennis camp by their parents. Then they are doing pretty well and then they are moved to a tennis academy. And the goal is always to be a professional player.

“When I look at Ash Barty, I don't think there were many goals, in the beginning of her sports career, except it's really good for your mind and your health and your body to do sports. So I think she played tennis for the love of the game. And when it's for the love of the game, there is a chance that you lose interest at some point, just like other hobbies in life.” 'No better person' than Swiatek to replace me – Barty 'I have no regrets' — Barty on shock retirement from tennis at 25 'It's so far for them' — Lim says 'brave' Barty may be missing Australia And Wilander adds that the ferocious appetite for success of Roger Federer,