Samantha Stosur hails Ash Barty’s ‘incredible career’ as tennis world No 1 announces shock retirement
- Australian prime minister Scott Morrison and former world No 1 Sam Stosur lead tributes for retiring Aussie tennis great Ash Barty
- Barty, who became the first Australian to win her home grand slam in 44 years, says she is ‘so thankful for everything this sport has given me’
Australian Open champion Ashleigh Barty has stunned the tennis world by announcing her shock retirement from the game, less than two months after the biggest win of her career.
The 25-year-old women’s world No 1 posted a video on her official Instagram account saying she was “so happy, and so ready” to make the move.
In an emotional interview with friend Casey Dellacqua, a television commentator and two time Olympian, Barty said she knows “in my heart for me as a person this is right”.
Australian prime minister Scott Morrison and fellow Australian tennis great Samantha Stosur were two of many to respond to Barty’s surprise announcement.
“I do want to say thank you for inspiring the country, inspiring a nation at a time when this country really needed a good shot in the arm,” Morrison said.
“None of us will forget, of course, the triumphant win in Wimbledon and none of us will ever forget that incredible comeback down there at the Australian Open this year, which once again showed everybody what you can do when you really apply yourself.”
Stosur, a former world No 1 doubles champion, said Barty had always followed her heart.
“Congrats for all you have achieved Ash. Incredible career,” Stosur posted on Instagram. “You’ve always done it your way and so good for you to follow your heart and once again do it your way with this decision. Can’t wait to hear what is next for you but in the meantime enjoy retirement.”
