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The difficult art of going out on a high

The difficult art of going out on a high

Barty joins a short list of champions who went out at their peak, PLUS: Two treats from the the pod.

Dylan Cleaver's avatar
Dylan Cleaver
Mar 23, 2022
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The difficult art of going out on a high
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No more mountains to climb. Photo / Getty Images

If you’re blown away by the decision of Ash Barty to pull the pin on her tennis career aged just 25, you’re not alone.

Two things stood out: for many top-level athletes the journey is far more interesting than the destination; the self-awareness of Barty to recognise that.

Barty retired in classy fashion, sitting down to talk with friend and fellow tennis pro Casey Dellacqua.

ashbarty
A post shared by Ash Barty (@ashbarty)

I love this quote so much.

“There was a perspective shift in the second phase of my career in that my happiness was not dependent on results.”

That’s never going to replace Lombardi’s catchy “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing” in gyms and changing sheds around the world, but high-performance sport would be such a healthier environment if it was.

Barty refused to be defined by the games she played. That’s why she can walk away so easily and, most importantly, so contentedly.

Barty knew what it took to win grand slams and didn’t want to commit to it again. Why force it? She’s not a Serena Williams or a Roger Federer. Staying on top never held as much appeal as becoming successful.

It’s a shame in so many ways because tennis will be poorer for her absence…

Twitter avatar for @Simona_Halep
Simona Halep @Simona_Halep
Ash, what can I say, you know I have tears right? My friend, I will miss you on tour. You were different, and special, and we shared some amazing moments. What's next for you? Grand Slam champion in golf?! Be happy and enjoy your life to the max xo Simo @ashbarty
Image
2:46 AM ∙ Mar 23, 2022
9,404Likes765Retweets
Twitter avatar for @andy_murray
Andy Murray @andy_murray
Happy for @ashbarty gutted for tennis 🎾 what a player❤️
2:37 AM ∙ Mar 23, 2022
11,075Likes938Retweets
Twitter avatar for @Madison_Keys
Madison Keys @Madison_Keys
An incredible tennis player but more importantly one of the nicest people on tour ♥️ Congratulations @ashbarty on an amazing career and good luck with what’s next!
Image
2:21 AM ∙ Mar 23, 2022
2,852Likes150Retweets
Twitter avatar for @DylanAlcott
Dylan Alcott @DylanAlcott
Ash Barty. Amazing tennis player but even better person. A champion in every sense of the word. Very proud of you mate ❤️
3:22 AM ∙ Mar 23, 2022
3,710Likes225Retweets

… but this guy is so right and this image is too.

Twitter avatar for @Gill_Gross
Gill Gross 🇺🇦 @Gill_Gross
Ash Barty wins at life. That much has always been pretty clear.
GIF by RichmondFC
2:27 AM ∙ Mar 23, 2022
647Likes55Retweets

I was trying to think of title-winning sporting stars who have retired while at the absolute peak of their games and it’s harder than you think.

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