World number one Ashleigh Barty RETIRES from tennis aged 25 as reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion stuns sporting world

World number one Ashleigh Barty has retired from tennis at the age of 25.

The three-time Grand Slam winner has sent shock-waves through the sporting world, hanging up her racket as the reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion.

4

4

Barty, who won her first Grand Slam at the 2019 French Open, was alongside Serena Williams as the only other active woman to win majors on clay, grass and hard courts.

The Australian announced she is 'chasing other dreams' - just two months on from her Australian Open triumph - in an emotional Instagram video with former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua, saying more information will come at a press conference on Thursday.

Barty said: "I kind of wasn't quite sure how I was going do this but I think so many times in my life both my professional and my personal, you've been there for me.

"And I just couldn't think 'there's no right way, there's no wrong way'. It's just my way and this is perfect for me to share it with you to talk to you about it with my team, my loved ones, that I'll be retiring from tennis.

"And so first time I've actually said it out loud and yeah, it's hard to say, but 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."

Barty became the first home winner of the Australian Open for 44 years in January - but reveals victory at Wimbledon last year was her 'one true dream'.

4

"I've had a lot of incredible moments in my career that have been pivotal moments," she said.

"Wimbledon last year changed a lot for me as a person and for me as an athlete when you work so hard your whole life for one goal, and I've been able to share that with so many incredible people.

"But to be able to win Wimbledon, which was my dream, my one true dream that I wanted in tennis, that really changed my perspective."

Barty took a hiatus from tennis in 2015 to compete in cricket's Big Bash League and the 25-year-old is also a talented golfer.

Former world number one Simona Halep asked whether another change of sport might be on the cards in a farewell message to Barty.

"Ash, what can I say, you know I have tears right? My friend, I will miss you on tour. You were different, and special, and we shared some amazing moments," the Romanian tweeted.

4

"What's next for you? Grand Slam champion in golf?! Be happy and enjoy your life to the max xo Simo."

Meanwhile, Andy Murray described the news as a big loss for tennis.

He said: "Happy for @ashbarty, gutted for tennis, what a player."