‘25 is an incredible age to retire at’

Australia’s Ashleigh Barty plays a game of golf at Melbourne in 2019. Pic/Getty Images; (right) AB de Villiers

Ashleigh Barty's retirement in March when she was women's tennis No.1 and just 25 years old is a "weird one to explain", South African cricket legend AB de Villiers has told AFP in an interview before they team up for a golf event.

Barty's relatively short career contrasts with that of the De Villiers, 38, who, after well over a decade at the top, only retired from all formats of international cricket in 2018.

De Villiers first met avid cricket fan Barty when he was playing in Big Bash League in 2019 and they will meet again when they team up in the inaugural Icons Series golf event in Jersey City from June 30 to July 1.

"I think the best answer is that every person has their own way of manoeuvring through their career, some as long as possible. The whole world respects her decision. I would like to think stepping away can be a relief, but it is an incredible age to retire at," De Villiers said.

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