Ash Barty reveals what surprised her most about her shock retirement from tennis

Former world No. 1 Ash Barty has revealed what has surprised her most about her life since retiring from tennis and her plans to stay involved in the game – just not on the court.

The 26-year-old sensationally quit the sport at the peak of her powers after winning the Australian Open last January and has dismissed all suggestions that she could return to professional sport in the future.

Ash Barty (pictured) has revealed what has surprised her most about her life since retiring from tennis and her plans to stay involved in the game – just not on the tennis court

The 26-year-old left the sport sensationally at the peak of her powers following her turning point at the Australian Open championship last January and has dismissed all suggestions she might return to professional sport in the future

Unlike many former professional athletes, Barty has absolutely no regrets about her decision to retire and says she’s “surprised” at how comfortable she is now.

“To be honest, I think what surprised me the most is how comfortable I feel,” she told the New York Times.

“I think it was probably a normal fear or insecurity not knowing what my post-tennis life would be like after being so focused.”

Unlike many former professional athletes, Barty (pictured after winning the Australian Open) has absolutely no regrets about her decision to retire and says she is “surprised” at how comfortable she is now.

“I was a little unsure how to handle this because I’m a person who likes to be organized. There was probably a bit of anxiety involved, but overall it wasn’t a problem, worry or worry.

“What surprised me in a positive way is that I slipped seamlessly into this life, which is just like everyone else. What I’ve always wanted.”

While Barty has not been active on the tennis tour, it has been a busy year for the former tennis star.

She married her longtime partner Garry Kissick, published her memoir My Dream Time and launched her children’s book series Little Ash with Jasmine McGaughey and Jade Goodwin.

Barty married her longtime partner Garry Kissick, published her memoir My Dream Time and launched her children’s book series Little Ash with Jasmine McGaughey and Jade Goodwin

Barty will remain involved with tennis by founding an elite academy in Australia with Jason Stoltenberg and Craig Tizzer and says she is interested in mentoring, but not coaching, junior players.

“The more time I’ve had to sit and think and absorb this year, the more I think it’s never in the sense that I’m going to compete professionally again,” she said.

“But I will never not be involved in the sport. So I think that’s where I’ll always get my tennis fix, that taste of the sport that has given me so much.