Ash Barty has announced her retirement from professional tennis. The 25-year-old will put the racquet down and focus on other goals. Barty announced the news via social media, sending shockwaves through the tennis world in Australia and abroad.
“I don’t have the physical drive, the emotional want and kind of everything it takes to challenge yourself at the very top level anymore, I just know that I’m absolutely spent. I just know physically I have nothing more to give.”
Ash said she discussed the decision to retire with her team “multiple times”, adding that she “just doesn’t have it in her anymore”.
“I am so thankful for everything this sport has given me and I leave feeling proud and fulfilled. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, I’ll always be grateful for the lifelong memories that we created together.”
Barty retires as the world’s number 1 ranked player. During her incredible career she won three Grand Slam singles titles; her first at the French Open in 2019, before winning Wimbledon in 2021 and the Australian Open in January this year. The proud Ngarigo woman also won the 2018 US Open in women’s doubles with Coco Vandeweghe.
Sonny Bill defeats Barry Hall
Dual code rugby star Sonny Bill Williams defeated AFL great Barry Hall in Sydney recently, dominating the bout from the opening seconds. Williams jolted the Sydney Swans premiership winner in the first half minute with some crisp accurate shots.
Hall was down after just 47 seconds, though referee Les Fear said he didn’t see a punch. It looked like Hall had been hit with a left hook and he appeared unsteady after standing up. Within 40 seconds, the 45-year-old returned to the canvas after taking a couple of big shots.
A ruthless Williams ended the contest a few second later, after he landed a big right hand that felled Hall, prompting Fear to end the one-sided contest after only one minute 55 seconds.
36-year-old Williams, who weighed in 11 kilos heavier than Hall, improved his professional record to 9-0 while Hall dropped to 0-1-1. “There’s a reason why only 1 per cent of people do this type of stuff. So much respect for Barry and his team for coming in and doing this,” Williams said.
