Sydney: Australia's world number one Ashleigh Barty announced her shock retirement from tennis on Tuesday. She is aged just 25, saying she had fulfilled her dreams and was "spent physically".

In an emotional social media video message with her close friend and former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua, the world number one said she was "so ready" to call it quits after achieving her life-time ambition of winning Wimbledon last year

"Success for me is knowing that I've given absolutely everything, everything I can. I'm fulfilled, I'm happy and I know how much work it takes to bring the best out of yourself," said the three-time Grand Slam winner

Barty has been the No.1-ranked WTA player for 114 consecutive weeks and counting.

"I don't have the physical drive, the emotional want and everything it takes to challenge yourself at the very top of the level any more. I am spent," she added.

Barty is retiring after winning three major singles titles on three different surfaces - the 2019 French Open, the 2021 Wimbledon and, back in January, the Australian Open.

In all, she collected 15 titles in singles and 12 in doubles - more than any other active player in that span.

One of the most respected and popular players in women's tennis, Barty also became the best, with her dizzying array of slices, pinpoint serving and seamless forehand typifying her all-round game.

Barty began playing tennis as a child in Brisbane and went on to win the junior Wimbledon title as a 15-year-old in 2011. Barty finally won a cherished Wimbledon crown last year before her Australian Open triumph at Melbourne Park in January. "It's something I've been thinking about for a long time," she said of retirement.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison thanked her for "inspiring a country"