Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley says the pandemic “certainly” weighed into Ash Barty’s decision to retire from tennis at 25.

The tennis star yesterday shocked the world by announcing her retirement just two months after winning the Australian Open.

Mr Tiley says the last two years were very tough on players, and he thinks that was a factor in Barty’s decision.

“I certainly think COVID had an impact,” he told Neil Mitchell.

“As a tennis player it’s been extremely difficult to go from city to city each week.

“She was gone seven months last year and I think that would have taken a bit of a toll.”

Mr Tiley welcomed suggestions on how to honour Barty’s legacy publicly, but said she must be consulted.

“Ash is very humble in her approach and very gracious in her approach,” he said.

“I certainly think that Ash’s legacy at this point would be what she’s simply achieved and I think that’s a conversation with her.

“I know she’s already rejected a statue in Queensland.”

Press PLAY below to hear Craig Tiley on the shock retirement

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