5 players whose early retirements shocked tennis

Ashleigh Barty has stunned the tennis world by announcing her retirement, aged just 25.

The Australian was the world number one and reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion but called time on her career.

Here, the PA news agency looks at other leading players who retired at an early age.

Bjorn Borg

Bjorn Borg was famed for his rivalry with John McEnroe
Bjorn Borg was famed for his rivalry with John McEnroe (PA Archive)

Martina Hingis

Given what Hingis achieved as a teenager it is perhaps little surprise she burned out quickly and called an initial time on her career at 22. The Swiss star became the youngest grand slam champion in the 20th century when she won the Australian Open in 1997 aged just 16 years and three months, also winning Wimbledon and the US Open that year. However, by 2003 injuries had taken their toll and she retired. She came back two years later but again retired, having been handed a two-year drugs ban. A third comeback happened in 2013 and she enjoyed success in the doubles game before retiring for a final time in 2017.

Justine Henin

Justine Henin was at the top of the game when she first retired in 2008
Justine Henin was at the top of the game when she first retired in 2008 (Rebecca Naden/PA)

Kim Clijsters

Kim Clijsters
Kim Clijsters made a hugely successful comeback after her initial retirement (Mehdi Taamallah/PA)

Marion Bartoli

Marion Bartoli quit tennis 40 days after winning Wimbledon
Marion Bartoli quit tennis 40 days after winning Wimbledon (Stefan Wermuth/PA)

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