Retired tennis player and Nine’s Wide World of Sports Commentator Todd Woodbridge says he understands the decision Ash Barty made to step away from tennis.

Women’s Tennis World Number 1 has stepped away from the game just months after winning the Australian Open.

Speaking on Perth LIVE, Todd Woodbridge says the decision must have been tough.

“Listening to her words made such a difference and when she says she’s physically and emotionally spent by what’s required, it tells you everything about how hard it is to do what she’s actually achieved,” Mr Woodbridge said.

The 25 year-old took to her social media pages to announce the decision to retire on Wednesday morning.

Mr Woodbridge speculated a retirement was on the cards, but didn’t expect it so soon.

“I thought maybe two to three years of having the awesome experience of watching Ash grace the court,” he told Oliver Peterson.

Press PLAY to hear Todd Woodbridge’s reflection.