Tennis stars from around the world are showering words of praise and congratulating the World No.1 Ashleigh Barty, who announced her retirement from professional tennis on Wednesday.
Barty announced her shock retirement from tennis at the age of 25. She has been the No.1-ranked WTA player for 114 consecutive weeks and counting.
Shelby Rogers, who is the last player to defeat Barty, at the 2021 US Open took to Twitter and wrote: “What a legend. Incredible inspiration on and off the court. One of the best human beings I’ve ever met. Our number 1! Best of luck @ashbarty.”
Barty and Petra Kvitova have had a notable and friendly rivalry. The two Grand Slam champions have played each other 10 times, with six of those matches going three sets. Their head-to-head concludes at a deadlocked 5-5.
“Ash, I have no words… actually you are showing your true class leaving tennis in this beautiful way. I am so happy I could share the court with you.. tennis will never be the same without you! I admire you as a player and a person.. wishing you only the best!” Petra Kvitova said.
My friend, I will miss you on tour. You were different, and special, and we shared some amazing moments. What’s next for you? Grand Slam champion in golf?! Be happy and enjoy your life to the max xo Simo.”
“Ash Barty. Amazing tennis player but an even better person. A champion in every sense of the word. Very proud of you mate,” he wrote.
In all, she collected 15 titles in singles and 12 in doubles – more than any other active player in that span.