Ashleigh Barty: World Number One Makes Shock Call To Quit Tennis

World number one Ashleigh Barty has shocked the sporting world by announcing she will retire from professional tennis at just 25.

The Australian made the announcement on social media on Wednesday, saying she was leaving to "chase other dreams".

"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," she said in a video.

Barty won her first Grand Slam at the 2019 French Open.

She has remained the top-ranked player since then, backed up by success at Wimbledon last year.

In January, she became the first home player to win the Australian Open men's or women's singles title in 44 years.

Serena Williams is the only other active female player to have won major titles on clay, grass and hard courts.

"I wasn't sure how to share this news with you so I asked my good friend [retired Australian tennis player Casey Dellacqua] to help me," Barty said on Wednesday.

"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 we created together."

Barty added she was "absolutely spent" and "physically I have nothing more to give".

- bbc.com