‘Watched the Video in Disbelief’ – Stefanos Tsitsipas Opens Up Learning About Ashleigh Barty’s Retirement

Early yesterday morning, World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty shocked the world. The three-time Grand Slam champion took to her social media handle, announcing her retirement, that too with immediate effect. Barty, who won the 2022 Australian Open, early this month withdrew from the Indian Wells and Miami saying that she is not fully prepared to compete at the two events.

She further asserted of making a return at the Billie Jean Cup in April. However, not even a month after that, she has announced her sudden retirement, leaving the tennis community in shock.

Following her announcement, a number of players have come forward giving their views about it. On one hand, players have showered blessings over Barty and have wished her all the luck for her future endeavors.

On the other hand, many players have also expressed shock over the announcement. In the long list of players who reacted to Barty’s announcement, the latest entry is Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Stefanos Tsitsipas on Barty’s retirement

After suffering a third-round loss in Indian Wells, the World No. 5 is currently in Miami, looking forward to improving his performance. Entering the tournament as the third seed, Tsitsipas will start his tournament campaign with a second-round clash with the winner of Daniel Altmaier and J.J. Wolf.

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Practicing on the hard courts of Miami, Tsitsipas gave his views on Barty’s retirement. Just like many other players, he also asserted that it was a shocking announcement for him. “Ash Barty retirement announcement was very shocking to me,” he said.

He further talked about how and where he came to know about the news and his reaction to it. “I found it through social media after scrolling my feed. I saw that video. I watched the entire video in disbelief because I couldn’t believe what I just saw.”

Tsitsipas and many other players have expressed shock over Barty’s announcement. However, one person who does not seem to be shocked is Barty’s coach Craig Tyzzer

Craig Tyzzer was not shocked by the retirement of Ashleigh Barty

Barty has been on a winning streak since the start of the 2022 season. First winning the Yarra Valley Classic and then the Australian Open. However, in her retirement announcement, her words seemed to be contradicting her performance.

The 25-year-old Australian confessed that she was lagging in the physical drive and the emotional want needed to be at the top.

Today morning, talking to the press, Craig Tyzzer asserted that he knew it was coming. He confessed that it was after the 2021 Wimbledon and the Olympics that Barty had started losing motivation.

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“It sort of started after Wimbledon. That was an obvious goal for us. 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”

Like Barty, Craig also admitted that the World No. 1 always does her own thing. He also accepted that it was the right time for Barty to take such a decision. “It’s not a shock for me. Ash does her own thing and when we started together, she wanted to do it the way she wanted to do it. I think it’s the right time. “

Were you shocked by Barty’s decision? What do you make of her comments? Let us know in the comments.