'What a player' - Ashleigh Barty announces shock retirement from tennis aged 25 - Sports world reacts

World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty has announced that she will retire from professional tennis at the age of just 25. The sports world has been reacting to the news.

The Australian star, who became the first home player to win an Australian Open singles title in 44 years in January, shocked the sporting world on social media on Wednesday as she said she was leaving to «chase other dreams». Ad/> Barty’s long-time mentor, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, led tributes to her fellow legendary Australian as the surprise decision prompted a flood of warm wishes and congratulations from stars around the sporting world and beyond. TennisWorld No.

1 Barty announces shock retirement at age 2540 MINUTES AGO “I’m so supportive of Ash and making a decision that is the best for her and makes her happy,” Goolagong Cawley said. “I can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings and to watch Ash achieve her dreams.” Her fellow players were effusive in their praise as it was demonstrated once again just how popular and appreciated she is within tennis and outside of the sport. /> /> /> /> /> /> /> /> /> /> /> Barty shared the news via a video posted on Instagram in which she sat down and chatted with her good friend and retired Australian tennis player Casey Dellacqua about the decision.

«Today is difficult and filled with emotion for me as I announce my retirement from tennis,» Barty, who has French Open, Wimbledon and Australian Open titles to her name, said in the conversation. «I'm so happy and I'm so ready. And I just know at the moment in my heart, for me as a person, this is right.