Ashleigh Barty announces shock retirement at age of 25

The current world number one, who won the Australian Open back in January, said on social media that she is quitting the sport to "chase other dreams".

She added that she is "absolutely spent" and "physically I have nothing more to give".

"I'm so happy and I'm so ready. I just know at the moment in my heart, for me as a person, this is right," she continued.

"I know that people may not understand it. I'm OK with that. Because I know that Ash Barty the person has so many dreams she wants to chase after that don't necessarily involve travelling the world, being away from my family, from my home, which is where I've always wanted to be."

Barty became the first Australian to win their home Grand Slam in 44 years, while she is also the current Wimbledon champion too.

She said her success there had "changed my perspective" as she still "wasn't quite fulfilled".

Barty also won the French Open in 2019 and has been world number one ever since, a run stretching 114 weeks.

Only Steffi Graf, Serena Williams (both 186 weeks) and Martina Navratilova (156) have had longer streaks at the top of the rankings.

Barty continued, "I am so thankful for everything this sport has given me and leave feeling proud and fulfilled.

"I know how much work it takes to bring the best out of yourself. I've said it to my team multiple times, 'I just don't have that in me any more.' Physically, I have nothing more to give. I've given absolutely everything I have to this beautiful sport of tennis, and I'm really happy with that.

"For me, that is my success. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. I'll always be grateful for the lifelong memories we created together."