'Inspiration' - Twitter hails Ash Barty as World No 1 retires at 25

In what comes as big news, World No 1  Ash Barty has announced her retirement from professional tennis at the age of 25. Her decision to retire at such a young age comes as a huge surprise and has raised a lot of eyebrows.

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She won the Australian Open earlier this year. Besides, it is to be noted that this was her third Grand Slam title. Her previous two were the 2019 French Open and the 2021 Wimbledon. Very seldom would fans see an athlete quit when they are at the top of their game.

Overall, she has won 15 titles in singles and twelve in doubles. In fact, Barty is only the second World No.1 to retire while being at the top, the first was Justine Henin, who retired in May 2008. The Aussie has been World No.1 for a total of 121 weeks.

Outside Tennis, Barty played the Women's Big Bash League for Brisbane Heat. As far as her retirement is concerned, she drew light on the same in a video posted on social media. Barty also revealed that she was thinking of retiring for close to a year.

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"I know how much work it takes to bring the best out of yourself. I’ve said it to my team multiple times – `I just don’t have that in me anymore.’ Physically, I have nothing more to give. I’ve given absolutely everything I have to this beautiful sport of tennis, and I’m really happy with that. For me, that is my success.

Ash Barty, the person has so many dreams she wants to chase after that don't necessarily involve travelling the world, being away from my family, being away from my home, which is where I've always wanted to be. I'll never, ever stop loving tennis, it's been a massive part of my life, but I think it's important that I get to enjoy the next part of my life as Ash Barty the person, not Ash Barty the athlete," said Ash Barty.

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Here are some Tweets which spoke about Ash Barty's retirement 

I will always admire Ash Barty, not just for her tennis but for the person she is.

Retire with other dreams to go after.
At the top of her game professionally and personally.

What a lady.
I applaud you! 👏👏👏👏👏👏#AshBarty #Respect

— Sandy Hunter 🐶 (@sandyhunter2) March 23, 2022

Congrats on an amazing career, Ash Barty. You’ve been a huge inspiration to so many people and future generations of tennis players - a true role model both on and off the court. #AshBarty pic.twitter.com/2ROLd7VWh3

— Samuel Begg - Tennis (@samuelbegg) March 23, 2022

What a way to end your career
#AshBarty pic.twitter.com/CepSLLKYYz

— Greg Jericho (@GrogsGamut) March 23, 2022

Wow,looking forward to hearing @ashbarty share insights about this momentous decision. As a great authentic leader,no doubt Ash will have important perspectives & deep sense of what matters in her future, whatever that is. Thks Ash for bringing such joy to so many 🙏🏻👏 #ashbarty pic.twitter.com/zFsKyk7Zb5

— sam mostyn (@sammostyn) March 23, 2022

Ash Barty retires. I can't believe it, of course personally super sad, but more than anything just want what's right for her. She's proven over and over that she knows what's best for her. Sending lots of love her way. Will always be my fave! ❤️ #ashbarty https://t.co/mt0w5hwY8R

— Kate O'Halloran (@Kate_ohalloran) March 23, 2022

World No.1 #AshBarty has announced her retirement from professional tennis. #Tennis #Sport

— Cara Mia (@CaraMia200) March 23, 2022

Thank you @ashbarty for everything you gave Australian sport fans. Wish you nothing but the best for the future 👏👏👏👏 #AshBarty

— Matt (@Mattys123) March 23, 2022

I bloody love #AshBarty
What a wonderful woman.
Grace, confidence and humility.
Living life on her terms.
Go well.

— GemmaTognini (@GemmaTognini) March 23, 2022

Did not see this one coming - Going out on top! You’ve been a great champion, and represented Australia with grace and humility. Enjoy the next phase in your life 🏸#ashbarty pic.twitter.com/LbgeyjCRqF

— Official VB Man 🇺🇦 (@cjsommers1) March 23, 2022

Now that Ash Barty has retired she can have a tennis stadium named after her. If only there was one in Australia that needed a new name. How about the Goolagong-Barty Arena? Just spitballing here. #AshBarty

— Neil McMahon (@NeilMcMahon) March 23, 2022