Top-ranked Barty retires at 25, goes out on her own terms
Associated PressBRISBANE, Australia — Ash Barty did things on her own terms as she won three Grand Slam singles titles and spent more than two consecutive years at No. “It’s the first time I’ve actually said it out loud and, yeah, it’s hard to say,” Barty said during an informal interview with her former doubles partner, Casey Dellacqua. “When you work so hard your whole life for one goal — to be able to win Wimbledon, which was my dream, the one true dream that I wanted in tennis, that really changed my perspective.” She described what she termed a “gut feeling” after Wimbledon about maybe being ready to move on, but she also described herself then as not “quite fulfilled.” Her victory at the Australian Open satisfied another gap, and Barty said she was completely aware that “my happiness wasn’t dependent on the results.” Barty was one of the most popular players on tour, and many praised her in retirement on Wednesday. You were different, and special, and we shared some amazing moments... Be happy and enjoy your life to the max.” Madision Keys posted: “An incredible tennis player but more importantly one of the nicest people on tour.” Alicia Molik, coach of Australia’s Billie Jean King Cup team, said Barty’s decision was ”unusual, retiring at the top.” “It’s pretty gutsy, it’s pretty noble,” Molik said. “It will always be a massive part of my life but now I think it’s important I get to enjoy the next phase of my life as Ash Barty the person, not Ash Barty the athlete.” ___ AP Sports Writer John Pye in Brisbane and AP Tennis Writer Howard Fendrich in Washington contributed to this report.