Aussie tennis legend Pat Rafter told Deborah Knight he felt that the decision for Ash to retire “was always coming” after having a chat at the Australian Open.

Pat said he spoke to Ash over a few beers after her loss in the Semi-Final at the Australian Open last year.

He said Barty wanted to retire if she won the Wimbledon last year, but was surprised when she competed for the Australian Open.

“I’ve been seeing this coming for quite a while,” he said.

“She’s gone out on her terms.”

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Image: Getty/John Berry