Australian versatility Ashleigh Barty after winning Wimbledon last summer (opposite) and on her way to victory at the French Open three years ago
decision not to play in IndianWells andMiami this spring was significant, though the announcement of her retirement still came as a huge shock. The reactions of people within tennis to Barty’s decision demonstrated the high esteem inwhich she is held. Karolina Pliskova, who lost to Barty in last year’s Wimbledon final, said on Twitter: “Congrats on an incredible career Ash. It was a privilege to share a court with you. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter. Youwill bemissed.” Steve Simon, head of theWomen’s Tennis Association, said: “With her accomplishments at the Grand Slams, WTA Finals and reaching the pinnacle ranking of No 1 in theworld, she has clearly established herself as one the great champions of theWTA. Wewish Ash only the very
best and know that shewill continue to be a tremendous ambassador for the sport of tennis as she embarks on this newchapter of her life. Wewill miss her.” Craig Tiley, the head of Tennis Australia, told Sky News: “One of the highlights inmy career was standing next to her after she won [the Australian Open] and I never would have thought that threemonths later we would have been having this conversation about Ash retiring. It’s once in a lifetime that someone like Ash comes along. But whatever she does, she’s going to achieve great things andwe respect her decision.” It was AndyMurray – as is so often the case – who best summed up everyone’s feelings. “Happy for Ash Barty, gutted for tennis,” the two-timesWimbledon championwrote on Twitter. “What a player.”
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