She was at the top of the world, holding Grand Slam trophies and world No. 1 rankings like it was no big deal — and then poof — Ash Barty walked away from tennis in her prime. Fans were stunned. The tennis world gasped. And for over a year, all we got was the classic Barty shrug and a polite “I’m happy.” But now? She’s finally spilling the tea — and it’s not what anyone expected.
In a quiet yet revealing interview, Barty admitted the pressure cooker of pro tennis wasn’t just exhausting — it was soul-sucking. “I had everything, but I didn’t feel like myself anymore,” she confessed. “Winning became a routine, not a joy.”
Oof. Turns out, the girl-next-door with the killer backhand was silently burning out behind the scenes — and dreaming not of Centre Court, but of couch days, camping trips, and maybe even starting a family (
). The money, the fame, the endless adoration? Nice, sure. But according to Ash, “authenticity” mattered more than applause.
And while she’s now dabbling in golf, writing children’s books, and living a gloriously quiet life, fans are left wondering… could a comeback still be lurking in the wings?
For now, Barty’s traded grunts for gardening gloves and we’re not mad about it. But if this queen ever decides to return — you just know she’ll do it her way.
