Ash Barty retirement: Aussie star never bought into the egotistical and selfish world of tennis

Ash Barty’s retirement has put the invasive and obsessive world of professional tennis on notice writes Sam Groth.

Ash Barty retiring is one of the bravest decisions I’ve ever come across in sport.

No one saw this coming, certainly not now anyway.

After everything that she has achieved in recent years, I was stunned when I heard the news.

And while everyone is asking why she came to this decision, what pushed her to stop and what comes next, I want to congratulate for being true to herself and doing what is right for her.

At a time when companies will be throwing huge deals her way, she is making millions and is at the top of her game. Ash has listened to her body and her mind.

She’s putting herself first and that takes significant courage and self-awareness. I hope people acknowledge that part of this story.

Ash Barty has called time on her career

Being a professional tennis player is not a part-time job. It is gruelling.

While your life consists of travelling the world and earning good money (if you’re a top player) every other aspect of your life is on hold.

It’s not just an ‘every time you step on court’ job.

Every minute of your life is consumed by the thought of being at your peak for game day.

Everything is micromanaged.

Everything you eat, how much and when you sleep, every activity you take part in presents a risk factor to injury. Every second of every day accounts for how you perform the second you step on a court.

It’s all encompassing. It’s invasive and obsessive.

When I explain to people what a day of training involves they’re stunned. It takes its toll.

Of course it’s a privilege but people on the outside forget the sacrifices made.

When that motivation is gone, it’s hard to push on.

I’ve known Ash since she came onto the scene aged 14 or 15 and there’s one thing that has always stuck with me about her and that’s how, in a sport that is often considered very egotistical and selfish, it’s all about the “we” and not the “I”.

World number 1 and three-time Grand Slam winner Ash Barty has announced her retirement

Tennis accolades always go to the individual and no one on tour has ever acknowledged the people behind the scenes in quite the way that Ash does.

It tells you a lot about who she is as a person.

She’s the best tennis player in the world and probably one of the most humble and grounded that I know.

The spotlight has never been her thing. The media attention and speculation isn’t something she has chased. She just wanted to play sport.

It’s always been about the team, now it’s time for it to be about Ash.

WOMEN’S TENNIS IN TROUBLE

When you reach a peak but lose the passion it’s isolating.

The tour is isolating. Covid times has made it even more so.

Ash’s decision to call time leaves a massive void and if I’m CEO of the WTA I’m panicking.

Leaders of the men’s and women’s tours should be having very honest conversations about what can be done to help athletes.

When a three-time grand slam winner and world No 1 with the world at her feet is retiring at 25 years-old, it’s a massive red flag.

Ash says she doesn’t have the physical drive or the emotional want to continue.

It’s not the first time this has been said.

Whay does Ash Barty's retirement call mean for Nick Kyrgios and Naomi Osaka?

Look at what happened with Naomi Osaka last year, Nick Kyrgios has always been vocal about how draining the sport has become and others are vocal about the demons they battle.

Questions need to be asked by the WTA and ATP and while there’s not necessarily a huge amount that can be changed, it’s certainly a moment for reflection and consideration.

For women’s tennis in particular, you cannot underestimate what a massive loss this is.

In an era where we have probably seen the last of Serena Williams as a grand slam threat, Osaka has fallen out of the top 70 and there isn’t an obvious contender to carry the torch.

Ash was it. Who can fill the void?

LEGACY

What Ash has done for tennis in Australia is huge but it’s being an advocate and role for women and indigenous people that will be her greatest legacy.

She has brought people into a sport that would otherwise never have watched a match. She has initiated conversations that needed to be had and smashed taboos.

She also won two grand slams during a pandemic. She lifted the spirits of a nation when we absolutely needed it most.

That is unforgettable.

Congratulations Ash on everything you have achieved and everything you will achieve.

You’re an inspiration to so many and your decision is so brave.

Doing what is right for you sets such a tremendous example for your young followers. You will continue to inspire.

Originally published as Ash Barty retirement: Aussie star never bought into the egotistical and selfish world of tennis