Ashleigh Barty announced her retirement from tennis early on Wednesday morning which saw players come out and react to the news with one of her main rivals over the years but also friends, Simona Halep taking to social media.
Halep albeit only played Barty four times but was World Number One between 2017 and 2019 and played in the era in which the Aussie dominated the WTA tour.
She said she was upset but made the joke that she will go onto be the Grand Slam champion of gold next with Barty's next career move unknown.
"Ash, what can I say, you know I have tears right? My friend, I will miss you on tour. You were different, and special, and we shared some amazing moments. What's next for you? Grand Slam champion in golf?! Be happy and enjoy your life to the max xo Simo," she wrote.
Ash, what can I say, you know I have tears right? My friend, I will miss you on tour. You were different, and special, and we shared some amazing moments. What's next for you? Grand Slam champion in golf?! Be happy and enjoy your life to the max xo Simo @ashbarty
