World No. 52 Barbora Strycova recently announced her retirement from the sport on Twitter. It was a heartbreaking moment for fans, as the Czech player had recently won the Wimbledon Championships doubles title in 2019. She is 35 at the moment and was the doubles World No. 2 when she decided to bid goodbye to the sport. Many great players including Ashleigh Barty congratulated her on her great career.

In a recent interview, World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty spoke extensively about Barbora Strycova after her retirement announcement. Barty claimed that the Czech player is a great person, and she was really happy when the latter updated fans about her pregnancy.

“Hell of a chick. Seriously, it made me smile when I saw that she announced she’s pregnant. I think it’s an incredible new chapter for her. Hell of a person, someone who was always bright, bubbly, wore her heart on her sleeve on the court but was probably one of the most respected in the locker room,” said Barty.

Strycova became pregnant in March, and it is one of the reasons she is retiring from the sport.

“Genuinely put her whole, put herself out on the court in a way where you know she never left anything out there but would also look you in the eye, shake your hand, say ‘Well done’ or ‘Too good,'” added the Australian.

“Achieved so much in her career”-Ashleigh Barty on Barbora Strycova

Barty acknowledged that Strycova always gave her 100 percent, whether it was in the singles or the doubles category. She highlighted that the Czech played brilliantly throughout her career and won many titles. Barty also mentioned that she is really excited as the Strycova is about to begin the new phase of her life as a mother soon.

“I think a massive part of her ‘career was that she just always was in the battle, singles, doubles, mixed, you name it. She’s achieved so much in her career. She’s had a phenomenal career and certainly someone I will be sad to not see around the locker room but really, really excited for her and her next chapter becoming a mum and she’s going to excel in that, I’m sure,” concluded the World No. 1 player.

Ashleigh Barty is now playing at the Mutua Madrid Open 2021. She’ll play Paula Badosa in the semis of the tournament today. Will Barty be able to conquer Madrid after winning the Miami Open and Stuttgart Open this year?

Also Read: “Some Moments in Life Just Can’t be Planned”: World No. 2 Barbora Strycova Retires From Professional Tennis