ATP Stars Pay Tribute To Retiring WTA No. 1 Ash Barty

Ashleigh Barty is going out on top.

The WTA Tour World No. 1’s final point of her career was a particularly special one – a forehand pass past Danielle Collins to become the first Australian woman since 1978 to win the women’s singles title at January’s Australian Open.

On Wednesday, Barty announced her retirement from professional tennis at the age of 25. “Today is difficult and filled with emotion for me as I announce my retirement from tennis,” she wrote via Instagram. “I am so thankful for everything this sport has given me and 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 had stepped away from the game before, taking a two-year break between 2015 and 2017, but returned to take the WTA Tour by storm. She picked up a first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros in 2019 and clinched the Wimbledon title in 2021 before her Melbourne triumph in January.

At the time of her announcement Barty has been at No. 1 in the WTA Rankings for 114 consecutive weeks, and she can also count a 2018 US Open doubles title, won with American Coco Vandeweghe, amongst her achievements.

As news of Barty’s retirement reverberated around the tennis world several ATP stars, as well as many of her contemporaries on the WTA Tour, paid tribute to her glittering career.

Happy for @ashbarty gutted for tennis 🎾 what a player❤️

— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) March 23, 2022

Respect it @ashbarty 🙏🏼👏🏼

— Thanasi Kokkinakis (@TKokkinakis) March 23, 2022

An incredible role model for so many not only in our sport, and she’s always gone about her career in her own special way. Well done, Ash. A true Aussie legend 👏 https://t.co/pnmaUjTPBe

— Darren Cahill (@darren_cahill) March 23, 2022

What a tremendous champion. On and off the court. The only woman I’ve handed the trophy to at the Hard Rock and it was an absolute pleasure both times. The sport will miss your kind heart and sublime talent. All the best for the next chapter. https://t.co/ALgTVSRqPy

— James Blake (@JRBlake) March 23, 2022

I’ve loved watching you play 🤩 @ashbarty . Enjoy your time off the court 🥳

— EdouardRogerVasselin (@ERogerVasselin) March 23, 2022

Wow Ash Barty so young at 25 retires on top 🔝 of her game at 25, she played absolutely brilliantly in Melbourne and looked set to have huge year wish her all the best in whatever she does next 👍😎👊💪✔️

— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) March 23, 2022

Ash, what can I say, you know I have tears right? My friend, I will miss you on tour. You were different, and special, and we shared some amazing moments. What’s next for you? Grand Slam champion in golf?! Be happy and enjoy your life to the max xo Simo@ashbarty pic.twitter.com/WbX7kXnJ1l

— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) March 23, 2022

Ash Barty. Amazing tennis player but even better person. A champion in every sense of the word. Very proud of you mate ❤️

— Dylan Alcott (@DylanAlcott) March 23, 2022

Ash Barty is pure class. Congrats champ well deserved! https://t.co/JHFoXzPidY

— Jan-Michael Gambill (@JanmikeGambill) March 23, 2022

For every young girl that has looked up to you.

For every one of us that you’ve inspired.

For your love of the game.

Thank you, @ashbarty for the incredible mark you’ve left on-court, off-court and in our hearts 💜 pic.twitter.com/6wp9fmO439

— wta (@WTA) March 23, 2022

Rare enough to see some people follow their heart rather than the stream.
Bravo @ashbarty

— Patrick Mouratoglou (@pmouratoglou) March 23, 2022

Ash, I have no words… actually you are showing your true class leaving tennis in this beautiful way.

I am so happy I could share the court with you.. tennis will never be the same without you! I admire you as a player and a person.. wishing you only the best! ❤️@ashbarty

— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) March 23, 2022