Barty announces shock retirement from tennis aged 25

Top-ranked Ashleigh Barty stunned the tennis world on Wednesday by retiring from the sport aged just 25, saying she had fulfilled her dreams and was "spent physically".

Barty dropped the bombshell weeks after becoming the first home Australian Open champion in 44 years, joining only a handful of players to win a Grand Slam on three different surfaces.

In an emotional social media video message with her close friend and former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua, the world number one said she was "so ready" to call it quits after achieving her life-time ambition of winning Wimbledon last year.

READ MORE

Hammadi wins silver on opening day Rivas and Safia set new world records

International School of Choueifat Abu Dhabi and Brighton College shine in ADEK Sports Cup

"Success for me is knowing that I've given absolutely everything, everything I can. I'm fulfilled, I'm happy and I know how much work it takes to bring the best out of yourself," said the three-time Grand Slam winner.

"It's just I don't have that in me anymore. 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 think I just know that I'm absolutely, I am spent. I just know physically I had nothing more to give and that for me is success."

One of the most respected and popular players in women's tennis, Barty also became the best, with her dizzying array of slices, pinpoint serving and seamless forehand typifying her all-round game.

Agence France-Prese