Tennis world reacts to Ash Barty’s retirement – JWS

The perfect ashleigh barty on this planet Introduced her retirement From Wednesday’s skilled tennis, we spurred the response from the leaders of the entire sport.

Bertie has been on the high of the world rankings for 114 consecutive weeks, making him the fourth longest consecutive win within the historical past of the WTA Tour. She solely tracks Steffi Graf (186 weeks), Serena Williams (186) and Martina Navratilova (156).

“Grand Slam, WTA Finals achievements and reaching the very best rank on this planet have clearly established her place as certainly one of WTA’s nice champions,” mentioned WTA Chairman and CEO. Steve Simon mentioned in a press release. “We hope Ash is at its finest. We all know she’s going to proceed to be an awesome ambassador for the game of tennis as she embarks on this new chapter in her life. I miss you. “

Simona Halep, two-time Grand Slam champion who’s at the moment twenty sixth on this planet, mentioned she was “tears” at Bertie’s announcement.

“My pal misses you on the tour,” she wrote. “You had been totally different and particular. We shared some nice moments.”

Andy Murray mentioned he was “engaged in tennis” whereas he was proud of Bertie.

“What a participant,” he mentioned. I’ve written..

Madison Keys confronted Bertie in Australian Open SemifinalsReferred to as her “one of many best individuals on the tour”.

Karolina Pliskova referred to as sharing the court docket with Bertie a “privilege” earlier than she needed to be “finest” when she retired.

Petra Kvitova, who has performed 10 occasions towards Bertie and gained 5 of them, mentioned the Australians are displaying “your true class.”

“I’m very glad to have the ability to share the courtroom with you,” she wrote. “Tennis would by no means be the identical with out you!”

Coco Gauff praises Bertie’s “nice profession” and on the similar time calls her an awesome particular person and hopes she will likely be effectively “on this subsequent chapter”.

Jessica Pegula referred to as her a “stud” for placing the game on the high of the rankings and “doing it her means.”

“You devoted your self to our sport and impressed many throughout the journey,” wrote three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber. “You’re away from tennis as a real champion and by yourself phrases.”

Tennis star Serena Williams mentioned she was “unhappy to learn your resolution,” however ultimately, “I am glad together with your new chapter.” Williams is a 23-time Grand Slam champion and co-record holder for many consecutive weeks on the high of the 186 world rankings.

“Your followers are at all times shut and much away,” she writes. “Ship all my love.”

Bertie is predicted to speak extra about her retirement at a press convention on Thursday.