The Wall Street Journal ran an article last month titled “Introducing Ash Barty…as Herself.” The article was in response to the retirement of the 25-year old No. 1-ranked tennis star who, most recently, won the Australian Open.
Barty retired acknowledging that while she loved tennis, she was looking to focus on other areas of her life, having already accomplished the goals she’s set out for herself in professional tennis.
The narrative of leaving the limelight might sound familiar. In the last year alone, Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles took steps back from their positions at the top of their sports, citing mental health.