Like many Australians last month, the news of Ash Barty’s retirement from Tennis came as a bit of a shock, only two months after winning the 2022 Australian Open and ranked as number one. In an interview she said “I don’t have the physical drive, the emotional want and everything it takes to challenge yourself at the very top of the level anymore. I am spent”.
Ash began playing tennis at the age of 4 with a promising junior career ahead. Her coach Jim Joyce almost turned her away saying she was too young until he saw her pick up a racket and hit a ball. She reached number 2 in the world after winning the 2011 Wimbledon Girls Singles title and moved onto success in 2013 finishing runner up at the Australian Open doubles. Late in 2014, Ash decided to take a break from Tennis and ended up playing cricket and signed with the Brisbane Heat for the Women’s Big Bash League season despite having no formal training in the sport. She admitted she wasn’t enjoying tennis as much as she wanted to, and it became a bit of a mental slog.
In early 2016 Ash returned to Tennis after missing the sport and quickly rose to number 17 in the world, despite never having been ranked inside the top 100 before her time away. She then won her first grand slam tournament in 2019 and went on to win 5 more titles in 2021 including Wimbledon. And of course (albeit a very tight game), Ash won her title at the 2022 Australian Open earlier this year. On March 23rd 2022 she announced her retirement. From an Indigenous background, she was honoured as the Young Australian of the year in 2020. What a champion Aussie and athlete she is.
There are numerous things that resonated with me over the journey of her sporting career, here are a few:
- Ash had no formal training in cricket when she decided to take a hiatus from what she was good at, tennis. Her cricket coach said it was her ability to learn and pick up things quickly that earned her the spot. In the workforce these days not all employers are looking for all the right qualifications and skills. They often seek candidates who are smart and hungry to learn. Know your transferrable skills and back yourself and your abilities. More importantly, be humble. Ash did and it got her a spot with the Brisbane Heat.
- It is ok to change direction in your career and life. Ash followed her heart and took a break from tennis as she wasn’t enjoying it as much and the mental slog hit her. She then returned a few years later admitting she was really missing the sport. I have met numerous people over the years who have started their career in one area before changing direction and moving into something completely different. Some then return to what they did earlier in the career again. Do what is right for you, go after what you want and be content with your decision. My boss often tells me life is ultimately about being happy.
- Ash took out the 2022 Australian Open. She was down 1-5 in the final set. The game got really tense but Ash took it one point at a time, one game at a time and fought back to take the win. That is a great lesson in itself. Work and life doesn’t always go to plan and often doesn’t come easy. Never give up, be persistent and be patient.
- Age or experience level is no barrier. She was almost turned away from tennis by her coach Jim Joyce for being too young. Once she demonstrated her ability, Jim took her on without hesitation. Capability will more often than not outweigh anything else. Ash demonstrated hers, chased her dreams and achieved her goals. She has achieved an incredible amount at 25 and will continue to do so.
I think we all agree Ash leaves a truly remarkable professional sporting career behind her and is a true legend on and off the court. I am really looking forward to following more of her journey in life.