Ashleigh Barty

Ashleigh Barty swings back into action, trades tennis for golf

The 25-year-old Australian has been included in Ernie Els' Rest of the World team for the Icons Series event at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey, on 30 June and 1 July.

Miami Open 2022: Future of tennis in good hands with Iga Swiatek, Carlos Alcaraz

Iga Swiatek, 20, and Carlos Alcaraz, 18, drew packed crowds on way to titles in Miami to underline there's life to the sport even after Big 3, Ashleigh Barty and Williams sisters.

Iga Swiatek confirmed as new WTA number one

The 20-year-old celebrated her new status in style on Sunday, winning the Miami Open with a straight-sets victory over four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.

Ashleigh Barty retires: Iga Swiatek set to become No 1 in WTA rankings after Aussie star's sudden retirement

The 20-year-old Swiatek is a massive 2,204 ranking points behind Barty, but there will be a new number one on Monday when the new list comes out and the second-placed Pole is in prime position.

Ashleigh Barty's early retirement spurred on by tiring body, larger goals and soulful experience

At a time when Roger Federer and Serena Williams, both 40, have not officially retired, it does come across as strange that a 25-year-old World No 1 should be calling it time on her sport.

Ashleigh Barty retires: 'Wait and see', Aussie tennis star coy about future after quitting sport at 25

Barty spoke publicly for the first time on Thursday since her announcement but repeatedly deflected questions on her future plans.

Ashleigh Barty retires: Bjorn Borg and other star athletes who called it quits at a young age

Barty, who hung up her boots at the age of 25 on Wednesday, is not the only player to have taken early retirement. Here are some more personalities who drew the curtains on their career early.

Racquets down: Even in retirement, Ashleigh Barty remains an outlier

Barty's retirement is like a perfectly timed backhand drop shot that no one saw coming. Not a hurried or desperate attempt, but well thought out, expertly crafted stroke that ends with a bit of magic.

Ashleigh Barty retires: From shining in cricket and golf to multiple Grand Slam wins, a look at tennis star’s achievements across sports

It is unclear what she will do next, but it would be no surprise if Barty ended up becoming a champion in another sport, because few athletes can boast such a varied sporting CV as the down-to-earth Barty.

Ashleigh Barty retires: ‘Dream' Wimbledon title, historic Australian Open victory and other highlights from tennis star’s glittering career

In January, Barty became the first Australian to win her home Grand Slam in 44 years, her third Grand Slam title after the 2019 French Open and 2021 Wimbledon