World tennis No.1 Ashleigh Barty announces shock retirement

World number one Ashleigh Barty has shocked the tennis world by announcing her retirement at the age of 25

World number one Ashleigh Barty has shocked the tennis world by announcing her retirement at the age of 25

World number one Ashleigh Barty stunned the tennis world Wednesday by announcing her early retirement from the sport at the age of just 25. 

Barty dropped the bombshell weeks after becoming the first home-grown champion of the Australian Open in 44 years, joining tennis royalty's most exclusive club with a Grand Slam crown on three different surfaces.

In the tearful video message with her close friend and former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua, Barty said she was "thankful for everything this sport has given me".

"But I know the time is now right for me to step away and chase other dreams and put the racquets down."

"Thank you for being an incredible ambassador for this sport and for women around the world," the Women's Tennis Association tweeted.  "We will miss you so much, Ash."

Late last year, she became engaged to long-term boyfriend Garry Kissick, who was ever-present courtside when she played and often posted supportive messages on social media.

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