Petra Kvitova comments on Ashleigh Barty's shock retirement

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Former world No. 2 Petra Kvitova shared a touching message to Ashleigh Barty as she feels tennis will never be the same without the Australian. Barty, ranked at No. 1 in the world, announced a shock retirement from tennis at the age of 25.

Kvitova had many great battles with Barty as the two met 10 times and the head-to-head between the two stands at 5-5. Kvitova won their first four meetings but Barty then won five of their next six clashes. "Ash, I have no words...

actually you are showing your true class leaving tennis in this beautiful way," Kvitova wrote on Twitter. "I am so happy I could share the court with you.. tennis will never be the same without you! I admire you as a player and a person..

wishing you only the best!"

Barty has other dreams she wants to chase

"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," Barty wrote on Instagram.

In a conversation with Casey Dellacqua, Barty admitted her perspective started changing after she won her first Wimbledon title last year. After winning Wimbledon, Barty then accomplished another chidlhood dream at the start of this season.

Barty put up a strong preseason as she was determined to finally bring home an Australian Open trophy. Barty was absolutely dominant throughout the whole Australian Open as she didn't drop a single set en route to winning the title. Barty admitted she just doesn't have it anymore and she feels it's time for her to walk away from the game.