World number one Iga Swiatek said Saturday she was ready for an "intense" opening Australian Open match while paying tribute to retired champion Ashleigh Barty for inspiring her to greater heights

"You guys just can't accept that I don't want to play professional sport any more," Ashleigh Barty said.

AB de Villiers first met avid cricket fan Ashleigh Barty when he was playing in Australia's Big Bash League in 2019 and they will meet again when they team up in the inaugural Icons Series golf event in Jersey City from June 30 to July 1.

Former tennis world number one Ashleigh Barty will play in a golf exhibition tournament, organisers said Tuesday, heightening speculation that she could become a golfer after her shock retirement.

Iga Swiatek will move into the top spot vacated by Australian Ashleigh Barty after the three-time Grand Slam champion announced her retirement earlier this week.

23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams reacted to Ashleigh Barty's sudden retirement decision and shared an emotional message on social media.

Poland's Iga Swiatek is poised to become the new world number one after Ashleigh Barty said that she will remove herself from the WTA rankings.

Ashleigh Barty on Thursday remained tight-lipped regarding her future after the tennis superstar announced her shock retirement.

Taking to Twitter, Sania Mirza hailed Ashleigh Barty, who announced her retirement on Wednesday.

Women's world no. 1 Ashleigh Barty announced her shock retirement from tennis at the age of just 25.