‘The Motivation Wasn’t There’- Craig Tyzzer Makes a Statement on Retirement of Ashleigh Barty

Ashleigh Barty announced her retirement at just the age of 25. Even though it came as a shock to many, there are few who had a hint. People who have known Barty throughout the years can stand by her decision. In a recent interview, her coach Craig Tyzzer spoke in favor of her decision.

While addressing the media, he said, “Once we got to the Olympics it sort of hit home for me that there wasn’t much left in her. The motivation wasn’t there except when she played doubles with Storm (Sanders) and mixed with John Peers. The singles really went by the wayside. I sort of felt that she’d climbed where she needed to get to, and it was going to be a hard slog to keep her involved.”

However, her retirement isn’t abrupt and is a well-thought decision. Coach Tyzzer cleared the clouds around the same by saying, “I sort of felt it (her retirement) was coming, and we’d sort of discussed things. Ash probably remembers, even after her first grand slam (title), I had prepared this speech about how profound this was going to be and what it meant to her. The first thing she said to me was, Can I retire now? And I said I’m not ready for that. It’s not a shock for me.”

Barty is a three-time Grand Slam champion and has won a total of 15 singles and 12 doubles titles. She had been equally efficient on each of the three surfaces. Her Major wins at the French Open in 2019, Wimbledon in 2021, and the Australian Open earlier this year attest to the fact as well.

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For Ashleigh Barty, Tennis Is Just a Part of Life

Barty has been an excellent player in tennis, however, that’s not the only thing she’s good at. She has shown interest in a variety of sports, including cricket and golf. In fact, she took a break in her early days to pursue cricket. In fact, she played for Brisbane Heat in the inaugural Women’s Big Bash league in 2015-16 before returning to tennis in May 2016.

Further, her friend Rennae Stubbs spoke to support her interest in a variety of games. She said, “Don’t be surprised if we see her walk down the fairway of an LPGA (golf) event. We know she can play cricket. I think she’s got a few things up her sleeve that she wants to achieve.” 

Barty expresses her views on how she arrived at this decision

Ashleigh Barty, the current World No.1 has no lingering feelings or regrets as she steps away from the game. In an interview with her longtime friend and former doubles partner, Casey Dellacqua, Barty expressed that she is physically and emotionally spent and doesn’t have anything to offer on a tennis court. Nonetheless, she is content with what she has achieved on a tennis court and is ready for the next chapter in her life.

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Her decision is courageous and is being appreciated by many. Moreover, many players spoke about her in high regard and wished her well for a glorious future. She sounded reserved when speaking about her plans. Following her retirement, it remains to be seen what endeavors Barty chooses as she begins her journey outside of tennis.