Ash Barty’s retirement came as a surprise to fans across the globe but Neil Breen says it’s been clear for some time. 

The world number one announced via social media yesterday she is quitting the sport, following three successful Grand Slams.

“The warning signs that she wasn’t going to have a long career in tennis were there years ago,” Neil observed.

“In 2014, she walked away from the game [when] she was the Wimbledon junior champion.

“She won the Wimbledon Juniors as a kid from Ipswich – that’s massive!”

Neil commended the tennis great for her grace in the game.

“A ridiculously talented tennis player who won on skill, pure skill.

“She threw no tantrums, there were no controversies, she wasn’t hardcore as a player, … she wasn’t a stare-down-opponents type of person.

“She won with pure skill and she got everything out of her talent.”

Press PLAY below to hear Neil Breen’s comments in full