Happy for Ash, gutted for tennis: Simona Halep

Ashleigh Barty. Pic/AFP

World No.1 Ashleigh Barty's surprise retirement from tennis was met with shock and an outpouring of well wishes from current and former greats on Wednesday.

Karolina Pliskova, who Barty defeated in the final to win Wimbledon last year, congratulated the Australian for an "incredible career". "It was a privilege to share a court with you," tweeted the Czech former World No.1. "You will be missed." Britain's three-time Grand Slam champion and former No.1 Andy Murray said on Twitter.

"Happy for @ashbarty. Gutted for tennis. What a player" Romania's Simona Halep addressed Barty directly: "Ash, what can I say, you know I have tears right? My friend, I will miss you on tour. You were different, and special."

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever