Tennis superstar Ash Barty is a household name, having achieved top rankings in the sport while also winning numerous Grand Slam titles. However, in 2014, she suddenly announced her retirement from the game. The move came as a shock to many, leaving many wondering: why did Ash Barty stop playing tennis?
Barty’s Success in Tennis
Before her retirement, Ash Barty was considered one of the most talented players in the world. She had won numerous titles, including four Grand Slams, the WTA Finals and the WTA Tour Championships. She had also been ranked as high as No. 1 in the world, becoming the first Australian woman in 40 years to achieve the feat.
The Reasons Behind Her Retirement
There are several factors that contributed to Ash Barty’s decision to retire from tennis. Here are some of the most notable:
1. Health Issues
One of the biggest reasons behind Barty’s retirement was her health. She had been suffering from a number of physical and mental issues, including depression, burnout and exhaustion.
2. Loss of Motivation
Barty had also lost her motivation to compete in tennis. She felt that she had already achieved success and there was nothing left to strive for. This led to her feeling uninspired and ultimately resulted in her retirement.
3. Pursuit of Other Interests
Another reason why Ash Barty retired was her desire to pursue other interests. She had always been interested in music and fashion, and wanted to explore these passions. She also wanted to spend more time with her family and friends.
4. Fear of Re-Injury
In addition, Barty was worried about re-injuring herself if she kept playing tennis. She had already suffered numerous injuries throughout her career, and was not prepared to risk her health any further.
The Impact of Her Retirement
Ash Barty’s retirement had a significant impact on the world of tennis. Here are some of the effects of her decision:
1. Decreased Popularity
Ash Barty’s retirement meant that the sport of tennis lost one of its biggest stars. As a result, the sport’s popularity declined, as fans no longer had a star player to get behind.
2. Loss of Sponsorships
The loss of Barty also had a financial impact, as she had many sponsorships and endorsements. With her gone, these sponsorships were no longer available, leading to a decrease in revenue for the sport.
3. Rise of Other Players
On the flip side, Barty’s retirement opened up opportunities for other players. With her out of the picture, they were able to move up the rankings and gain more attention.
Barty’s Life After Retirement
Since retiring from tennis, Ash Barty has been focusing on other interests. Here are some of the things she has been up to:
1. Music
One of Barty’s passions is music, and she has been pursuing this interest since her retirement. She has released several singles and even performed at the 2019 ARIA Awards.
2. Fashion
Barty has also been exploring her love of fashion. She has walked the runway at fashion shows, and even collaborated with designer label, Zimmermann.
3. Philanthropy
Barty has also been involved in philanthropic work. She has worked with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, helping to promote literacy amongst Indigenous Australians.
Conclusion
Ash Barty’s decision to retire from tennis was a shock to many, but it is clear that she had her reasons. Her health, loss of motivation and pursuit of other interests all contributed to her retirement. The move had a significant impact on the sport of tennis, with a decrease in popularity and sponsorships. However, her decision has also opened up opportunities for other players. Since retiring, Barty has been focusing on her passions, such as music and fashion, as well as philanthropic work.