Australian tennis star and former women's world no. 1 Ash Barty stunned the tennis world when she decided to retire at the age of 25. Barty had just won the Australian Open in January and seemed to be on an upward trajectory in her career, which is why so many in the tennis community were stunned by her retirement. Fellow women's tennis star Serena Williams shared a touching reaction to Barty's announcement via her Twitter account.

Williams got honest, saying she was saddened to hear that Barty, a fierce competitor on the court, announced her retirement. However, the 23-time Grand Slam champion also added that she is excited for Barty's “new chapter.”

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The Australia native, who was recently just engaged, said that she no longer felt the “physical drive” and “emotional want”, also notably saying that she felt “spent.” Barty turned pro in 2010, first rising into the top 20 of the WTA rankings during the 2017 season.

In 2019, Barty was victorious for the first time at a Grand Slam, winning the French Open. She walked away from the WTA with three Grand Slam titles to her name and just over $2 million in prize money.

Judging by the reaction of Williams, Ash Barty will be missed for far more than just her tennis in the WTA after her stunning retirement.