'You are all class': Scott Morrison's beautiful Ash Barty tribute

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has commended Ash Barty for "inspiring a generation" of Australians, after leading the political tributes to the 25-year-old in the wake of her shock retirement announcement.

Barty left the sporting world in disbelief on Wednesday after sharing a video message on social media, where she held back tears explaining her sudden decision.

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The 25-year-old - being interviewed by good friend Casey Dellacqua - said the time was right to step away from the sport, after winning three Grand Slams including the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

"Today is difficult and filled with emotion for me as I announce my retirement from tennis," Barty wrote on Instagram alongside the video interview with Dellacqua.

Tributes to the popular star immediately began pouring in from across the world, including many of Australia's leading politicians.

The Prime Minister thanked Barty for her contribution to the sport, while opposition leader Anthony Albanese described the Aussie as "an inspiration" and a "magician on the court".

"I want today to say thank you to you Ash, for inspiring a generation of young people, and particularly a generation of young Indigenous people in this country," the Prime Minister told reporters in Rockhampton.

"You are all class ... I am sure anything you turn your hand to, you are going to be a great success.

"None of us will forget her triumphant win in Wimbledon, and now, none of us will ever forget that incredible comeback down there at the Australian Open this year."

The Opposition leader also praised Barty for being an incredible role model over a hugely successful career in tennis.

"An inspiration, a magician on the court, a champion of Wimbledon and the Australian Open - World No.1. As you climbed to the very top, you lifted us all," he wrote on Twitter.

"Congratulations to Ash Barty on a magnificent career."

Health Minister Greg Hunt said Barty hit the court with "such amazing drive" and will be "long remembered in Australian sporting history".

Greens leader Adam Bandt described Barty as an "inspiration to many" and would "always be our champion".

"Good luck chasing your next dreams. You deserve it," he said.

Fellow Aussie tennis stars Dylan Alcott and Thanasi Kokkinakis were among those leading tributes to Barty across the sporting world.

Ash Barty explains reasons for retirement

Barty announced her decision to retire from the game in an interview with good friend Casey Dellacqua.

She admitted she had a 'gut feeling' after Wimbledon that her decision to chase other dreams could be coming sooner, rather than later.

In the interview Barty said: "I know that, I am spent, physically, I don't have anything more to give."

"I have given everything I can to this beautiful sport and I'm really happy with that.

"For me, that is my success."

Barty won her maiden grand slam title at the French Open in 2019.

The 25-year-old said winning Wimbledon in 2021 fulfilled a lifelong dream.

The jewell in her crown was Evonne Goolagong Cawley presenting her the 2022 Australian Open title in front of a raucous home crowd.

"Hell of a surprise," Barty said of Goolagong Cawley's role in the ceremony.

"To be honest, I'm really glad that I didn't know because I think I would have been under the pump, I would've been feeling it.

with AAP

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