The Wednesday morning news cycle filters through and….

ASH BARTY HAS RETIRED FROM TENNIS AS:

THE REIGNING WTA WORLD NO.1 FOR TWO AND A HALF YEARS, WITH 3 MAJOR TITLES, $23.8 USD MILLION IN PRIZE MONEY, AND AS THE REIGNING WIMBLEDON AND AUSTRALIAN OPEN CHAMPION…

AT THE AGE OF 25.

“Today is difficult and filled with emotion for me as I announce my retirement from tennis. I wasn’t sure how to share this news with you so I asked my good friend @caseydellacqua to help me. I am so thankful for everything this sport has given me and leave feeling proud and fulfilled. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, I’ll always be grateful for the lifelong memories that we created together 🤍”

“More to come tomorrow at my press conference.”

So it turns out that Ash Barty’s last shot in anger on a tennis court is that wonder pass on Danielle Collins to seal the first Australian Open singles title for an Australian in 43 years.

In hindsight, that’s a hell of a way to go out.

Well, to the Richmond Football Club, if you’ve undoubtedly seen this news, you have a new AFLW Rookie waiting for you in 2023.