The reigning Wimbledon singles champion and world No.1 Ash Barty has announced her decision to retire from professional tennis, effective immediately.

Barty, 25, revealed the rationale behind her decision in an emotional video with former doubles partner and longtime friend Casey Dellacqua, posted on Instagram.

Chief among her reasons was a feeling that she had given all she could to the sport, both physically and emotionally, and that she had fulfilled her own personal goals.

The Australian's victory at Wimbledon last year - a decade after she had claimed the girl's singles title at The All England Club - also had a huge impact on her decision.

"To be able to win Wimbledon, which was my dream, the one true dream that I wanted in tennis, that really changed my perspective," said Barty.

"I just had that gut feeling after Wimbledon and I’d spoken to my team quite a lot about it."

Barty bows out with her final competitive action being her victory at the Australian Open, a triumph which further confirmed her desire to call time on her career.

A player blessed with extraordinary natural talent, Barty was also a hugely popular character among fans and players alike, and will be greatly missed at Wimbledon and across the WTA.

"On behalf of everyone at Wimbledon, I would like to congratulate Ash on an extraordinary career and wish her all the very best as she begins the next chapter of her life," said Ian Hewitt, Chairman of the All England Club.

"We will remember fondly her outstanding performances at Wimbledon, most particularly her flawless display to fulfill her dream of becoming a Wimbledon champion last year.

"To see her follow up with the Australian Open title, and the heart-warming reaction at home and abroad, was a joy to witness. I hope she looks back on her many accomplishments in tennis, including her three Grand Slam singles titles, with great pride and satisfaction.”