Short But Sweet: Key Moments In Ashleigh Barty's Brilliant Career

Reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion Ashleigh Barty announced her shock retirement from tennis on Wednesday aged 25. The Aussie announced her retirement on social media, posting a video with close friend and former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua. The announcement comes just weeks after Barty became the first home-grown Australian Open champion in 44 years.

Here are a few highlights from her short but illustrious career:

"Dream" Wimbledon triumph

The Australian wins Wimbledon on the 50th anniversary of fellow indigenous Australian Evonne Goolagong Cawley's triumph there. Barty's victory in 2021 fulfils a dream that leaves her wondering how long she wants to carry on.

In her retirement message Barty -- who won the French Open in 2019 -- described her Wimbledon crown as her "one true dream".

"I've had a lot of incredible moments in my career that have been pivotal moments and Wimbledon last year changed a lot for me as a person," she said, describing the emotion of an athlete who has worked hard her entire life "for one goal".

"To be able to win Wimbledon -- which was my dream, the one true dream that I wanted in tennis -- that really changed my perspective."

Australian Open at last

Even after Wimbledon "there was just a little part of me that wasn't quite satisfied, wasn't quite fulfilled", Barty now says.

"And then came the challenge of the Australian Open."

In January, Barty became the first Australian to win her home Grand Slam in 44 years.

The world number one was 5-1 down in the second set against fearless American Danielle Collins but came storming back to win on a tiebreak and sweep past the 27th seed in straight sets.

"It's a dream come true for me and I'm just so proud to be an Aussie," she said on the