Report by Aryaa Sinha
Ashleigh Barty has announced her retirement from tennis. She is 25 years old. Barty has been the world’s No. # 1 female tennis player for more than two years and has won 15 important Women’s Singles Tournaments in her career. This includes 3 major “Grand Slam” events – the biggest prizes in tennis. They are:
The French Open – 2019
Wimbledon – 2021
Australian Open – 2022 January
Ash became the first Australian in 44 years to win a singles title at her home grand slam. The last Australian to win a Grand Slam in Australia was Chris O’ Neil in 1978.
She is the 2nd reigning World No. 1 to retire while on top. Justin Henin retired in May 2008 and returned to play 2 years later.
Barty became World No. 1 in 2019 and held her position for 114 consecutive weeks . Only Steffi Graf, Serena Williams (both 186 weeks), and Martina Navratilova (156 weeks) have enjoyed longer streaks as World No. 1 in women’s game.
Barty’s retirement means Poland’s 20 year old Iga Swiatek is likely to become No. 1, when the rankings are updated. Swiatek is the 1st player since Caroline Woziacki in 2009 to win 5 or more titles before the age of 21.
Who is Ashleigh Barty
Ash Barty was born on April 24, 1996 at Ipswich, Australia. She started playing tennis at the age of 4 and became an accomplished player when she was 14. In all, Ash collected 15 titles in singles and 12 in doubles – more than any other active player in that span. She also played in the first season of Cricket’s Women’s Big Bash League in 2015-2016; after taking a break from tennis in 2014. Barty created a lot of interest in tennis and inspired many young players to take up the sport.
All images from the Twitter of Ash Barty.
