I can't still believe it. The World Number one tennis player decides to retire at 25? How shocking!
I woke up to the news of Ashleigh Barty's Retirement this morning. It's something i didn't see coming. I have taken my time to think about it and i have learnt a couple of things.
First, I'd tell you who Ashleigh Barty is and why her retirement would go down as one of the most surprising retirement in the history of sports.
Ashleigh Barty is an Australian Female tennis player. She is currently ranked no 1 in the Women Tennis Association (WTA) list. Ashleigh Barty has won three Grand Slam singles events, including this year's Australian Open in January. She's one of my favourite player. Her style of tennis is so direct. She plays like Rafael Nadal in my opinion. She doesn't joke with games. Ashleigh Barty is ready to win games as quickly as possible. She takes no prisoners.
Less than 24 hours ago, Ashleigh Barty announced her retirement saying she was leaving to chase other dreams.
"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. I know that people may not understand it. I'm OK with that. Because I know that Ash Barty the person has so many dreams she wants to chase after that don't necessarily involve travelling the world, being away from my family, from my home, which is where I've always wanted to be."
- Ashleigh Barty
Pondering over the piece of information, I have 3 lessons I've learnt and decided to share.
48 laws of power by Robert Greene
I'm a big fan of Books by Robert greene. 48 laws of power is one book i love so much. Partly because there are alot of ancient stories in it. Also, the laws are somewhat interesting to me. I use them sometimes in playing chess and some life scenarios. Life can't be lived by words in a book. However, sometimes, these knowledge can help you make decisions.
Ashleigh Barty has won 3 grand slam titles. She's the first home player to win the Australian open in 44 years. When she won at Wimbledon, she came out to say that she has achieved her goal. She has been world no 1 since 2019.
According to her, she feels she has achieved everything she wants at 25 so she's moving on to pursue her goals and dreams outside the sport.
Many people in her shoes will not quit. They will instead set goals because people want them to. If she continues playing, she stands a very good chance of breaking more records. But to what end? A unfulfilled life?
I feel her decision is great and it's something that is inspiring.
One of the key lessons I've learnt from her short but sweet sports career is that "Life is not a competition". It looks very easy if she decides to spend her whole life trying to break records. But it's not worth it to her. She would still be compared forever to the legends in the game. She has left the world contemplating what her tennis career would have achieved if she gave it ten more years.
At 25 years old, she has achieved what many would never achieve in their whole life. She's young and smart. She is leaving at her peak. Something like "Leaving while the ovation is loudest".
Someone once said "Do things that you like because if you are not doing what you like then you are not enjoying your life”
I feel this is something she has decided to do. Quit playing tennis to be with her family. Many sacrifice their whole lives in dedication to something that they don't enjoy. These sacrifices might not be necessary sometimes especially if it hinders happiness.
I believe she thought of this and decided to quit. She's made alot of money already.
According to WTA reports, the young Australian's earnings exceeded $23.8 million dollars, of which $2.8 million came from winning the Australian Open.
This is alot to live and enjoy the world. She took it. I can certainly hope that she finds joy in her next pursuit.
I will miss watching Ashleigh Barty.. I don't know any other person that can dominate female tennis again in this era. She might just be the last that did.
Thanks for reading. It would be nice to read your thoughts on this.
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I love to engage with others and i love communication.I believe life is all about staying happy and maintaining peace.
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