Former world number 1 and 23 times Grand Slam winner, Serena Williams opened the ball of regrets: "
I must admit that I was sad to read your decision, but I am also happy to know that you are going to write a new chapter of your life
, ”reacted the American.
Another former world No.1, Japan's Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, revealed that she heard the news early in the day, before heading to the court to play in Miami and win her match of the first round against another Australian, Astra Sharma.
Read alsoTennis: Swiatek "cried for a while", due to Barty's retirement
“
I feel really happy for her.
I know last year was very difficult.
She almost never returned home
, ”responded Osaka, in tears during the last US Open and victim of great anxieties which she revealed.
For Osaka, last season "
definitely affected
" Barty, but "
it was really inspiring to see how involved she was throughout the year.
I think she can leave without regrets
,” added the Japanese.
Read alsoAustralian press review after Barty's retirement: "A shock, less a surprise"
For Britain's Emma Raducanu, winner of the last US Open, Barty's retirement illustrates "
how personal the goals and goals of the players are
".
And she adds that "
if you set a goal when you start playing tennis, once you are happy, it makes sense to finish well
".
The American Danielle Collins, 11th player in the world, spoke about the financial gains of the players and felt that “
it's really cool to be able to retire at 25 years old.
In what other profession could one do it?
There aren't that many.
I think it's amazing for our sport.
It is unique, compared to other sports
”.
Karolina Pliskova, beaten by Barty in the Wimbledon final last year, praised the Australian for “
her incredible career
”, and added that “
it was a privilege to share a tennis court with you.
We will miss you
, ”tweeted the former Czech world No.1.
Briton Andy Murray said he was “
happy for Barty
”, but “
disgusted for tennis.
What
a player,” he wrote on Twitter.
“
+ Ash +, I have no words …
”, reacted the Czech Petra Kvitova, twice victorious at Wimbledon.
Romanian Simona Halep spoke directly to Barty: “
+Ash+, what can I say, you know tears are running down my face?
My friend, I will miss you on the circuit.
You were different, and special, we shared so many amazing moments
.
Halep also launched a hypothesis for the rest of Barty's life, if she remains in the sport: “
Victorious in a Grand Slam golf tournament?
".
As for the ephemeral world number 1 Andy Roddick, he made it very short: “
Wow
”, on Twitter.
Read alsoTennis: Ashleigh Barty, like Björn Borg…
Finally, the association of players and supreme body of the women's circuit, the WTA, thanked Barty "
for the incredible mark you left on the court, off the court and in our hearts
".
