“An incredible age to retire” AB de Villiers confesses to being taken aback by Ash Barty’s retirement

Ash Barty and ABD

The former world number 1 Ashleigh Barty announced retirement from tennis after she was on the top of the world. She had won the Australian Open, and fans were expecting more domination from the Aussie. She felt like she was ready to move on to different adventures and explore new avenues in her life.

AB de Villiers, a legendary face in the cricketing universe, retired recently, giving way for a new generation of South African cricket to rise. He felt like he was ready to set his bat aside, so he did. There’s always a sense of emptiness and sour taste the fans are left behind when giants like these retire from their respective sports. But, the fans are in for a surprise as they will get to see these iconic sporting stars on the field again. ABD and Ash Barty will team up to play a different sport for the first time.

Ash Barty and AB de Villiers team up for an epic celebrity golf match

AB de Villiers will be representing the ‘Rest of the World’ team against ‘Team USA’ led by Fred Couples in the inaugural Icons Series golf event in Jersey City from June 30 to July 1. He will team up with Ashleigh Barty for the same. de Villiers confessed that the timing of Barty’s retirement was shocking to him.

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In an interview with AFB, he said, “I think the best answer is that every person has their own way of manoeuvring through their career, some as long as possible. The whole world respects her decision. I would like to think stepping away can be a relief, but it is an incredible age to retire at.”

For his own decision, he says: “I am feeling quite happy I made the right decision even if I miss the game and will be forever grateful to the sport. But similar to Ash, there is a peace of mind where I am at. I am really happy to look back on my career with fond memories. There are no regrets. Yes, I made mistakes but no regrets.”

Retired swimming phenomenon Michael Phelps will also be seen playing golf with the boxing legend Oscar de la Hoya. Phelps is the most successful and most decorated Olympian of all time, with a total of 28 medals. They will be a part of the ‘Team USA’ and will be up against Barty and de Villiers. It will be a sight to behold for the fans as they would be able to see the iconic figures from different sports face off on a golf course. It would be a great spectacle for the fans to witness.