Praise for Ash Barty’s actions on and off the court has flooded social media since news of the world No 1’s shock retirement broke.
Coming less than a year after her Wimbledon win and less than two months after she became the first local Australian Open winner in 44 years, the 25-year-old’s announcement came as a huge surprise.
Barty’s long-time mentor, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, said she was excited to see what she did next.
“I’m so supportive of Ash and making a decision that is the best for her and makes her happy,” the retired champion said.
“I can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings and to watch Ash achieve her dreams.”
Australian of the Year and wheelchair tennis legend Dylan Alcott was among the many to pay tribute to Barty as a champion on and off the court.
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
Her rivals on the court also noted her popularity off it. American tennis player Madison Keys congratulated “an incredible tennis player but more importantly one of the nicest people on tour”.
Former world No 1 Simona Halep said she would miss her friend on the tour.
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
Former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova said Barty had shown “true class leaving tennis in this beautiful way”.
Ash, I have no words... actually you are showing your true class leaving tennis in this beautiful way.
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) March 23, 2022
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
As another Wimbledon champion, Andy Murray, said, it’s a huge loss for the game.
Happy for @ashbarty gutted for tennis 🎾 what a player❤️
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) March 23, 2022
Many Indigenous Australians took to social media to express what Barty’s career meant to her community.
Scott Morrison, the prime minister of Australia, called Barty to personally thank her for her contribution to the country.
At a press conference he said she had inspired “a generation of young people, and particularly a generation of young Indigenous people in this country”.
Other Australian politicians also applauded her impact.
An inspiration, a magician on the court, a champion of Wimbledon and the Australian Open – World Number One.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 23, 2022
As you climbed to the very top, you lifted us all.
Congratulations to Ash Barty on a magnificent career. 🇦🇺🎾 pic.twitter.com/Us2B3Z5Ob0
The Women’s Tennis Association thanked Barty for “the incredible mark you’ve left on-court, off-court and in our hearts” while Tennis Australia congratulated the “world No 1 role model”.
Barty told long-time friend and former tennis player Casey Dellacqua in the announcement made on Instagram that she has other dreams to chase.
Her loss from Australia’s sporting landscape will be felt beyond the tennis world.
Former Australian netballer Nat Medhurst expressed mixed emotions, saying she was feeling “torn between being completely gutted that she’s retiring or being so happy for her in reaching this decision & everything that she has achieved. Either way – what a bloody legend.”
Bec Goddard, an Australian rules football coach, believes Margaret Court Arena should be renamed for Barty as a better representative of contemporary Australian values.
Finally time to rename Margaret Court’s Court ASH BARTY ARENA #itstime
— Bec Goddard OAM (@BecGoddard22) March 23, 2022
Meanwhile, the premier of her home state of Queensland, Annastacia Palaszczuk, indicated plans for some sort of tribute.
“We know you don’t want a statue but we are working on a project with you which I’m quite sure Queenslanders will support 100%,” she said on Twitter.
I know all of Queensland joins me in wishing @AshBarty the best 🏆👏 pic.twitter.com/GDpybJf1ed
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) March 23, 2022
Additional reporting by Australian Associated Press
