Less than two months after winning the Australian Open, Barty retires from tennis.

In a surprising announcement, Ash Barty, the current No.1 tennis player in the world, has announced her retirement. This was shortly after winning the Australian Open for her third Grand Slam singles title.

In a six-minute Instagram video, Barty stated "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 went on to note that it was time for her to "chase other dreams". 

In an interview with her former doubles partner, Casey Dellacqua, Barty said: "It's the first time I've actually said it out loud, and yeah, it's hard to say." She continued, "I don't have the physical drive, the emotional want, and everything it takes to challenge yourself at the very top of the level anymore[sic]. I am spent."

This wouldn't be the first time that Barty has walked away from tennis. In 2014, she left the tour for almost four years. At that time, she stated it was due to overwhelming pressure and the travel required.

Seven-time singles champion Evonne Goolagong Cawley told The Associated Press on Wednesday that "I am so supportive of Ash that she does what makes her happy. I can't wait to see what happens in the next chapter of Ash's life and what helps her achieve her dreams."

Barty first turned pro in 2010, since that date she's won 15 tour-level titles in singles and 12 in doubles. She's also spent the last 114 weeks as the No.1 ranked tennis player in the world. 

Women's Tennis Association CEO, Steve Simon, said Barty "has always led by example through the unwavering professionalism and sportsmanship she brought to every match." 

Barty's closing words were, "I'll never, ever, ever stop loving tennis," she continued. "It will always be a massive part of my life, but now I think it's important I get to enjoy the next phase of my life as Ash Barty the person, not Ash Barty the athlete."