MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Ash Barty’s Australian Open singles title in January was sufficient to make sure the previous top-ranked tennis participant received Australia’s most prestigious annual sports activities award — regardless of retiring from the sport lower than two months later.

Barty has been given The Don Award, named after its most achieved and well-known cricketer Don Bradman.

Barty shocked the tennis world in March when she introduced her retirement on the age of 25. The three-time main winner was the No. 1-ranked feminine participant on the time of her retirement determination.

The Sport Australia Hall of Fame’s Don Award is given to an athlete or a crew “which has provided the most inspiration to the country through performance and example in the past year.”

Barty (2019, 2022) joins Olympic gold medal-winning hurdler Sally Pearson (2012, 2014) and Olympic champion pole vaulter Steve Hooker (2008, 2009) as a a number of winner of the award.

Barty stated she had determined earlier than the Australian Open began that it will be her final main match.

“This year was certainly my most enjoyable Australian Open . . . because it felt free,” Barty stated in a tv interview Thursday. “I played without consequence, I played like a little kid. In my eyes, there was no pressure. It was just about me trying to redeem myself, in a way, and playing how I’d always wanted to play — go out there and play like the kid that fell in love with sport.”

Barty stated she has no plans to return to tennis.

“In my mind there was never going to be a perfect ending, but it was my perfect ending,” Barty stated of her retirement. “It was never about finishing on a win or on a really high emotional feeling. It was just about collectively, I felt it was right.

“Now (that decision) has led to nine months of just an incredible life off the court. It’s been amazing.”

Barty married her long-time companion Garry Kissick in late July. She additionally golfs steadily and is reported to be taking part in off a handicap of low single figures.

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