Sporting world reacts to Ash Barty's shock retirement from tennis
The sudden announcement of Ash Barty's retirement from tennis has produced a shock wave that has transcended the tennis world.
Within moments of Barty taking to her Instagram to share the news through an emotional video with close friend and previous doubles partner Casey Dellacqua, social media exploded with messages of disbelief, support and well wishes for the outgoing world No.1.
Australian tennis legend Pat Rafter led the tributes from sports stars and celebrities, telling 2GB's Afternoons with Deborah Knight he felt the announcement was coming for "quite a while" after the pair shared a conversation at last year's Australian Open.
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Ash Barty had an unbeaten run at this year's Australian Open. Getty
After her loss in the 2021 quarterfinal, Rafter said Barty had her mind set on conquering Wimbledon before potentially retiring.
"I was surprised when she went around for the Aussie Open and when she won then I thought maybe she might do the US," he said.
"But it was always coming."
Stepping away at the height of her career at just 25 years old, Rafter said Barty realised she wanted to do other things in her life outside of tennis.
"She's gone out on her terms and I think that makes an easy transition from sports person into retirement.
"She knows what she wants in life and tennis is not it, it was a part of her journey but now it's over.
"A lot of times people finish their careers and they're not sure what they fall on and who they are, their identity becomes lost. But she knows and she's in a really good place."
Here is collection of the best reaction to Barty's announcement.
Ash Barty's Grand Slam wins and 2022 in pictures: Perfect moment as world No.1 makes history at Australian Open, then announces shock retirement
