World No.1 says she’s ‘not hiding anything’ with unexpected call, refuses to rule out code change
Ash Barty says she’s not “hiding anything” with her surprise decision to retire.
Barty stunned the tennis world on Wednesday with her announcement via social media that she was ending her career immediately, less than two months after winning the Australian Open title.
The world No.1 spoke to the media in Brisbane on Thursday, and confirmed there was nothing lingering in the background that forced her to leave the game.
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“I’ve said exactly what I wanted to say in the video. I’m not hiding anything. I’m an open book,” she said.
The 25-year-old said she’s looking forward to spending more time with her family, and didn’t rule out playing another sport in the future, telling reporters “you’ll have to wait and see”.
“I’m not going to give you everything. You can be patient, patience is a virtue. We will see,” she said when reporters pressed her about switching sports.
“I have seen some brilliant photo shops as a jockey, lawn bowler. Like many sports, I am glued to it.
“I have always been an athlete in the sense of trying different things. We will see how we go.”
She said she is looking forward to the next stage in her life, and tennis will always be a huge part of her future.
“I am excited about my next chapter as Ash Barty the person and not the athlete.
“I hit as recently as 10 days ago. I will forever be connected to tennis, I will never stop loving the sport, I will never stop hitting tennis balls.
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“I just won’t be doing it selfishly, for me to try and progress my career. It will be for different reasons. I can’t wait to get out there with young girls and boys and contribute in different ways.
“I’m excited to have the time to do that. I can’t wait to get on board and teach my nieces and nephews and hope that tennis brings them the same love that it did for me,” she said.
“I have always been a homebody, and this is where I recharge.
“This is where I get my energy from. I’m excited to reacquaint myself with my mum and dad and sisters and nieces and nephews. And spend quality time with them as a person.
“Like I said, a new chapter for Garry (her partner) and I, and it is going to be a lot of fun.”
Barty said she will ask for her name to be removed from the world rankings when they’re updated at the conclusion of the current tournament in Miami.
MORE TO COME.
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