Ash Barty has told media to be patient in revealing whether she will take up another sport, after fronting a press conference to explain her shock retirement.
The 25-year-old shocked the tennis world on Wednesday when she revealed she was stepping away from the sport, prompting an outpouring of tributes from tennis players and fans alike.
Barty said there was “no perfect timing” to announce the retirement, while hinting she could move to another sport in the future but telling reporters to be “patient” in waiting for her to announce any new ventures.
“I have seen some brilliant photoshops (of me) as a jockey, lawn bowls. I’ve seen a little bit,” she said.
“I love sport. I’m a sport nut, like a lot of Australians are. I’ll be lured to it. I have always been an athlete in the sense of trying different things but we’ll see how we go.”
Barty said she wanted to give back to the community and spend more time with her family, while also saying she was keen to catch up with mentor Evonne Goolagong Cawley.
“I just called her and wanted to have a chat with her (after her retirement), and obviously she’s been incredibly supportive,” she said.
“Evonne always knows the right thing to say at the right time. She’s always been there for me but never been in the way, she’s never tried to impose herself. She’s always been someone who has been there for me and I’m so grateful and I can’t wait to spend a bit more time with her now.”
Re-watch the press conference above and follow the live blog below.
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