Ash Barty reveals how her retirement plans were ‘ruined’ while mentioning Rafael Nadal’s farewell tour

Ash Barty stunned the tennis world when she announced her retirement from the sport back in early 2022.

Ash Barty reveals how her retirement plans were ‘ruined’ while mentioning Rafael Nadal’s farewell tour

Ash Barty and Rafael Nadal (via The Advertiser)

Ash Barty stunned the world when she announced her retirement from the sport in 2022. The Australian’s decision to start a family was the major reason behind hanging up her racket. Two years later, Barty has revealed a secret regret about her career, while stating she was happy that Rafael Nadal lived his tennis dream.

Nadal left behind one of the greatest legacies in sport after retiring last month. The Spaniard played his final match at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, which ended in a defeat against Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp. Although he lost, he was still given a befitting farewell ceremony with thousands of sports fans and legends all over the world sending their tributes.

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On the other hand, Barty retired after winning the Australian Open in 2022. The announcement left fans in disbelief but it completely changed after Russia’s widely-condemned war against Ukraine began to make the headlines. The conflict overshadowed the 28-year-old’s befitting farewell.

In a recent interview, Barty revealed that she secretly hoped to retire while playing for Australia at the Billie Jean King Cup, but it didn’t work out so she had to change her plans. However, she added that she was happy Nadal had a beautiful farewell ceremony.

I love Rafa. I liked the way Rafa retired. He wanted to represent Spain in a team environment. That was my dream. I wanted to retire representing Australia at a Fed Cup tie in Brisbane which did not eventuate. I know that feeling of celebrating your career with the people you love. It’s been such a beautiful celebration for him and his career. So many tributes from players and also other athletes around the world. It showed how much of a positive impact it had on sport and life in general.

Ash Barty said via Herald Sun

Nonetheless, Toni Nadal and those close to Rafael Nadal took a critical look at the farewell ceremony, claiming that they were a little disappointed in the organization of the same. But, Davis Cup organizers reacted, stressing that they did their best in organizing the ceremony.

Ash Barty reflects on her 2022 Australian Open triumph

Ash Barty wrote her name in the history books after becoming the first Australian in 41 years to win the Wimbledon in 2021. The Aussie had previously won the 2019 French Open and she was the first Australian woman to do so in 46 years. She then claimed the Australian Open in 2022 and announced her retirement two months later.

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Ash Barty (Image via Imago)

However, the Australian Open still remains the most exciting success among her Grand Slam victories. The 28-year-old revealed during the aforementioned interview that she has gotten so much support from her countrymen and women.

I have so much love and support, and I’m so lucky to get so much love and support here in Australia, and so many people have made my career so much more fun, and being able to share that with them and experience that with them made it all the better, and I think the Australian public allowed me to be myself.

Ash Barty said

Barty will return to Melbourne Park in 2025 for a special event set to take place during the Australian Open. The Grand Slam event is slated to start on January 12.