Ash Barty

World number one Ash Barty retires

"Current WTA world number one Ashleigh Barty has today announced her retirement from professional tennis following a remarkable career at the top of the women's game," the WTA said in a statement this afternoon.

In a statement on Instagram, Barty said today was "difficult and filled with emotion for me" as I announce my retirement from tennis.

"I am so thankful for everything this sport has given me and leave feeling proud and fulfilled. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, I'll always be grateful for the lifelong memories that we created together."

Ash Barty wins Australian Open

Fans all around Melbourne Park and around the country were also roaring with joy as the world number one fought back from 5-1 down in the second set against big-hitting American Danielle Collins to complete a 6-3 7-6(2) win and clinch her third Grand Slam title.

"It was a little bit surreal," the 25-year-old said about her celebratory cry of "Yes". "I didn't quite know what to do or what to feel.

Barty ends Australia's long wait for Wimbledon title

The 25-year-old Barty, who won her maiden Grand Slam at Roland Garros in 2019, emulated her idol Evonne Goolagong who claimed the second of her All England Club titles in 1980.

"I hope I made Evonne proud," Barty said on court after the trophy presentation. "This is incredible."

Ten years after winning the girls' singles title at Wimbledon as a 15-year-old, Barty came into the final having won five of the seven matches she had played against Pliskova.

She breezed to a 4-0 lead against the former world number one with a double break.

Nadal and Barty into Australian Open fourth round as crowds banned

Barty overcame a stumbling start to claim a 6-2 6-4 victory over Ekaterina Alexandrova at an empty Margaret Court Arena on Saturday.

The 24-year-old would have expected the backing of a fiercely partisan crowd for a weekend evening match at her home Grand Slam, but Melbourne's five-day lockdown left her playing in front of officials, ballkids and coaches.

While most other players have seen plenty of empty courts on the WTA tour over the last year, it was a new experience for Barty, who elected to stay home while the COVID-19 pandemic raged around the world.

Djokovic, Federer and Ash Barty through to quarters

Djokovic continued his imperious progress through the men's draw, negotiating a potentially tricky encounter with Diego Schwartzman 6-3 6-4 6-4 to reach the last eight at Melbourne Park for the 11th time.

The seven-times champion only added to a strong feeling around the tournament that the Serbian is again the man to beat at the year's first Grand Slam as he ousted the Argentine in just over two hours at Rod Laver Arena.

Federer, chasing a record-extending 21st Grand Slam, came from behind to beat Hungarian Marton Fucsovics 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2.