Women’s World No. 1 tennis player Ashleigh Barty has shockingly announced her decision to retire from professional tennis circuit. Barty, who is a three-time Grand Slam champion from Australia, made the announcement on Instagram ahead of a press conference scheduled for Thursday (March 24). 


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“Today is difficult and filled with emotion for me as I announce my retirement from tennis. I wasn’t sure how to share this news with you so I asked my good friend @caseydellacqua to help me. I am so thankful for everything this sport has given me and leave feeling proud and fulfilled. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, I’ll always be grateful for the lifelong memories that we created together. More to come tomorrow at my press conference,” Barty said in an Instagram post. 


Watch Ashleigh Barty's statement here...



Barty grabbed the world No. 1 spot on June 24, 2019, and she never relinquished it with high finishes in grand slams for the next two-and-a-half years. Her many victories, including 12 doubles titles – many with Dellacqua, earned her $23.83 million in prize money and millions more in sponsorships. 


But the sport took its toll and she withdrew from Indian Wells and the Miami Open after winning in Melbourne, citing ‘a need for ongoing recovery after winning the Australian Open’.