World No 1 Ashleigh Barty announces shock retirement at the age of 25

The tennis world woke up to shock news this morning after World No 1 Ashleigh Barty announced she was retiring from the sport. The Australian is the reigning Wimbledon & Australian Open champion but says she wants to ‘chase other dreams’.  At the age of 25 she would have been expected to win many more titles in her career and add to her current three Grand Slam victories.

It seems her recent success on the court has helped change her perspective of what she feels is important in her life. Last year she became the first Australian to win Wimbledon and said it was a ‘dream come true’. Her triumph on home soil at the Australian Open in January was also a massive moment for Barty. She has not competed since her victory in Melbourne and claims she has ‘nothing more to give’ as she confirms her retirement. She has a career earning of a reported £40 million.

Barty has taken time away from tennis in the past and had a stint in professional cricket with Brisbane Heat in 2015. She is also a talented golfer and plays off a handicap of four. Speculation will be ongoing to see what her next venture will be!