It was news that rocked the world of tennis and sent shockwaves around the sporting community.
The world’s number one women’s tennis player, Ash Barty, announced today she’s retiring from the sport at the tender age of 25.
The Australian star broke the news on Instagram (where else) in an emotional post watched by fans across the world.
When I first heard the breaking news on the radio, my first thought was, “why?”. At such a young age why would she quit when she clearly has so much more to give? She’s won three grand slams, she was the first home-grown Australian Open champion in 44 years, she was on the rise and would have gone on to win many more trophies I’m sure. Can you imagine Serena Williams or Roger Federer walking away with only three titles to their name?
But then I actually stopped and listened to her heartfelt reasons behind the decision.
Do you agree? Have your say in the comment section
Barty revealed she was physically and emotionally burnt out and felt she had given all she had to give to “this beautiful sport of tennis”. Even more importantly she was happy and satisfied. She has fulfilled her one true goal – to win Wimbledon – and once she achieved that she was content. So why go on?
I feel there is a lesson in this for all of us. Too often we spend time thinking about the grass being greener elsewhere and chasing outward signs of success – more money, better job, bigger home, better car – but how often does any of that bring true happiness or contentment?
Many of us spend the majority of our adult lives working and only think about retirement much later on. How amazing would it be to do that thinking earlier and, like Barty, make the decision to enjoy life while we’re still young.
I appreciate she has millions in the bank, but success isn’t all about money.
This week, two years ago, Boris Johnson announced the first lockdown. As tough as it was, it gave many of us the chance to think about what really matters. People gave up high-flying but emotionally unfulfilling careers to do things that just make them and their loved ones happy.
Ash’s retirement is a timely reminder of the need to find happiness and satisfaction in everyday life and not to work until you drop.
