Reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion Ashleigh Barty announced her shock retirement from tennis on Wednesday aged 25. Here are a few highlights from her short but illustrious career:
‘DREAM’ WIMBLEDON TRIUMPH
The Australian wins Wimbledon on the 50th anniversary of fellow indigenous Australian Evonne Goolagong Cawley's triumph there. Barty's victory in 2021 fulfils a dream that leaves her wondering how long she wants to carry on.
In her retirement message Barty — who won the French Open in 2019 — described her Wimbledon crown as her "one true dream".
AUSTRALIAN OPEN AT LAST
In January 2022, Barty became the first Australian to win her home Grand Slam in 44 years.
The world number one was 5-1 down in the second set against fearless American Danielle Collins but came storming back to win on a tiebreak and sweep past the 27th seed in straight sets.
LEAVING TENNIS, ACT I
Barty decides out of the blue aged 18 to take a break from tennis — she had won the junior Wimbledon title in 2011 and reached three Grand Slam doubles finals.
After putting down her tennis racquet, Barty tries her hand at cricket and turned out for the Brisbane Heat in the inaugural Women's Big Bash League.
After one season, Barty decides to return to her first sporting love, tennis.
GOLF TALENT, TOO
After skipping the French Open over Covid-19 fears, Barty picks up her golf clubs in September 2020 and claims the Brookwater Golf Club women's title near Brisbane.