Her retirement in March came when Barty was at the top of her game,holding down the world’s top ranking,and had after winning three of the sport’s majors - Wimbledon and the Australian and French Opens. The emotion was clear when she uttered the words that she wasstepping away from the game.
Bartywrestled with her decision for months;it was only finalised when the announcement plans were put in place - two months after her famous drought-breaking triumph at Melbourne Park. But the Queenslander didn’t completely shut the door on a return to professional tennis.
Reminded at the time that other top athletes had retired too early – with others staging successful comebacks after pulling the pin – an honest Barty said:“I’d say you never say never. I’d say the door is closed,but it’s not padlocked.
“I’m never one to absolutely say never,never,never. But,yeah,it feels like it’s closed.
Loading
“I feel like I’ve given absolutely everything to the sport and there is nothing more for me to give. But I know that tennis will always be a massive part of my life and I’ll be able to contribute in different ways,which is maybe why that connection with tennis will always be there.”
When Barty revealed her retirement decision in an Instagram interview conducted by close friend and former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua,she said she would “chase other dreams”.
“There is no hiding behind anything for me,” Barty said at the time.
“This is just a decision I’ve made and now,like every other person in the world,I look for what’s next. And that’s going to be a really exciting chapter.”
Barty won the season-ending WTA Finals event in 2019,collecting a $US4.42 million ($6.4 million) prize packet – the biggest individual cheque in tennis history.
Our Breaking News Alertwillnotify you of significant breaking news when it happens.Get it here.