How tennis stars are reacting to Ash Barty's retirement, and what women are talking about today.

Few could have predicted Ash Barty's retirement announcement, aged only 25. And among those shocked by the news includes the world’s tennis sporting elite. 

Here’s what they’ve had to say:

Ash Barty. Amazing tennis player but even better person. A champion in every sense of the word. Very proud of you mate ❤️

— Dylan Alcott (@DylanAlcott) March 23, 2022

Happy for @ashbarty gutted for tennis 🎾 what a player❤️

— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) March 23, 2022

Respect it @ashbarty 🙏🏼👏🏼

— Thanasi Kokkinakis (@TKokkinakis) March 23, 2022

Ash, I have no words... actually you are showing your true class leaving tennis in this beautiful way.

I am so happy I could share the court with you.. tennis will never be the same without you! I admire you as a player and a person.. wishing you only the best! ❤️@ashbarty

— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) March 23, 2022

For every young girl that has looked up to you.

For every one of us that you've inspired.

For your love of the game.

Thank you, @ashbarty for the incredible mark you've left on-court, off-court and in our hearts 💜 pic.twitter.com/6wp9fmO439

— wta (@WTA) March 23, 2022

Ash, what can I say, you know I have tears right? My friend, I will miss you on tour. You were different, and special, and we shared some amazing moments. What's next for you? Grand Slam champion in golf?! Be happy and enjoy your life to the max xo Simo@ashbarty pic.twitter.com/WbX7kXnJ1l

— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) March 23, 2022

Congrats on an incredible career Ash 🙏 It was a privilege to share a court with you. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter, @ashbarty. You will be missed 🥺❤️ pic.twitter.com/bpL20nIUJQ

— Karolina Pliskova (@KaPliskova) March 23, 2022

Ukraine has appealed to Russia to allow humanitarian supplies into Mariupol and to let desperate civilians out of the besieged city which President Volodymyr Zelensky says has been devastated by Russian bombardments.

Mariupol, a port city on the Azov Sea that was home to 400,000 people before Russia invaded Ukraine, has been under siege for weeks. City officials say it has no food, medicine, power or running water.

“There is nothing left there,” Zelensky said in a video address to the Italian parliament. As he was speaking, the city council said Russian forces had dropped two large bombs on Mariupol but gave no details of casualties or damage.

Three years after playing Ukraine's President in a political satire television series, Zelensky entered politics. Only now is he facing his biggest battle: Putin. https://t.co/FzoOb991tf

— Mamamia (@Mamamia) February 27, 2022

A part of Mariupol now held by Russian forces is now an eerie wasteland, Reuters told AAP. Several bodies wrapped in blankets lay by a road. Windows were blasted out and walls were charred black. People who came out of basements sat on benches amid the debris, bundled up in coats.

“Once again it is clear that the occupiers are not interested in the city of Mariupol. They want to level it to the ground and make it the ashes of dead land," stated Zelensky.

- With AAP.

Due to rising fuel prices - not to mention the state the travel industry is in because of the pandemic - domestic airfares are becoming pricey. 

The cost of some domestic airfares has more than doubled since before early 2020. Research from the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics data showed that some airfares had jumped by 112 per cent.

Recently, Qantas boss Alan Joyce warned that if oil prices continue to soar, the cost of aviation fuel will also grow - and passengers will feel the pinch.

“Unfortunately if they [oil prices] stay at these levels airfares are going to have to go up, and we're going to have to pass them on. If it moves even further – so for every $US4 for a barrel of oil – it’s another per cent that airfares will have to improve by. I think it will have some impact on the levels of travel out there,” he said.

Brian Houston has today resigned from the Hillsong Church amid allegations the global pastor mistreated two women and ahead of a trial over charges he hid his father's alleged child abuse.

“We would like to advise you that Pastor Brian Houston has resigned as Global Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church and the board has accepted his resignation,” the global board said in a statement on Wednesday.

“We understand there will be much emotion at this news, and we all share these feelings.”

The resignation follows an apology issued by the church on Friday over allegations of Houston's conduct towards two women. About 10 years ago, Houston allegedly sent inappropriate text messages to a staff member, while under the influence of sleeping tablets that he had become dependent on, and ended with the employee resigning, according to the board. 

An investigation launched by the global board found Houston had breached the Hillsong Pastor's Code of Conduct. Following that investigation, Houston stepped down from Hillsong leadership. But according to the board he did not do all the agreed upon steps and he remained suspended, until today's resignation.

Houston is also currently before the courts in NSW, set to face a three-week special hearing in December on charges he hid his father's alleged child abuse.

- With AAP.

The founder of the Australian megachurch Hillsong, Brian Houston, has resigned after an internal investigation found he had breached the church’s code of conduct at least twice by behaving inappropriately toward two women. https://t.co/lidSwNox05

— The New York Times (@nytimes) March 23, 2022

World number one and three-time major champion Ashleigh Barty has announced that she is retiring from tennis. 

The 25-year-old shared the news via Instagram in a six-minute long interview with her friend and former tennis player Casey Dellacqua. 

"Today is difficult and filled with emotion for me as I announce my retirement from tennis," Barty wrote in the caption. 

"I wasn’t sure how to share this news with you so I asked my good friend @caseydellacqua to help me. I am so thankful for everything this sport has given me and leave feeling proud and fulfilled.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, I’ll always be grateful for the lifelong memories that we created together.

"More to come tomorrow at my press conference."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ash Barty (@ashbarty)

It's the second time Barty has walked away from tennis, with the three-time grand slam champion taking a 16-month sabbatical after a first-round loss at the 2014 US Open.

But, unlike then when she was a homesick teenager, this time Barty says she's quitting for good.

"I've had a lot of incredible moments in my career that have been pivotal moments, and Wimbledon last year changed [me] a lot.

"For me as an athlete, when you work so hard, your whole life for one goal... to be able to win Wimbledon, which was my dream... that really changed my perspective."

When asked why Barty decided to retire now, she explained that there was a part of her that didn't feel "fulfilled".

"I just had that gut feeling after Wimbledon, and had spoken to my team quite a lot about it. There was just a little part of me that wasn't quite satisfied, wasn't quite fulfilled.

"Then came the challenge of the Australian Open... I think that for me just feels like the most perfect way, my perfect way to celebrate what an amazing journey my tennis career has been. 

"As a person this is what I want. This is what I want to chase after some other dreams that I've always wanted to do, and always had that really healthy balance."

Image: Getty.

Dellacqua told Barty that people may struggle to understand her decision as "probably one of the most marketable athletes in the world", though Ash shared she has "nothing more to give". 

"Success for me is knowing that I've given absolutely everything I can... And I've said it to my team, multiple times, I just don't have that in me anymore," she said. 

"I don't have the physical drive the emotional want, and kind of everything it takes to challenge yourself at the very top level anymore. I'm absolutely spent, I just know physically I have nothing more to give. 

"I've given absolutely everything I can to this beautiful sport of tennis and I'm really happy with that, and for me that that is my success.

"I know that people may not understand it, and that's okay.

"Ash Barty the person has so many dreams that she wants to chase that don't necessarily involve travelling the world, being away from my family, being away from my home...

"I'll never ever stop loving tennis. It'll always be a massive part of my life. But now I think it's important that I get to enjoy the next phase of my life as Ash Barty the person, not Ash Barty the athlete."

Read more: "I hope I made Evonne proud." The inspiring friendship of Ash Barty and Evonne Goolagong Cawley. 



It's official. And Just Like That has been renewed for a second season.

The Sex and the City spin-off, which premiered in December, produced HBO Max’s strongest ever debut in viewership numbers.

And now, after much suspicion, HBO Max have announced the much-loved show is coming back.

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A post shared by And Just Like That... (@justlikethatmax)

"I am delighted and excited to tell more stories about these vibrant, bold characters — played by these powerful, amazing actors," executive producer Michael Patrick King said in a statement. 

"The fact is, we’re thrilled. And Just Like That... our sex life is back."

"[The team] has been delighted by the cultural conversation generated by these characters and their stories, set in a world we already know and love so much," Sarah Aubrey, head of original content at HBO Max, added.

"We are proud of the work Michael Patrick King and our wonderful writers, producers, cast and crew have done to bring these stories to the screen. We can’t wait for fans to see what’s in store for season two!"

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A post shared by SJP (@sarahjessicaparker)

Sarah Jessica Parker also confirmed the news on her Instagram page, writing: "Season two. Thank you to our audience. Plain and simple. You are our heartbeat. We love you so."

Season one certainly left viewers with several questions after of the show ended on a cliffhanger.

How will Che and Miranda's relationship continue to unfold? Will Carrie get it on with her podcast producer? And what's the plan for Samantha now that her and Carrie have seemingly made up?

However, with no premiere date announced just yet, it seems we might be waiting a little while longer for answers.

And Just Like That season one is available to watch on Binge now.

Morning, it's Wednesday, March 23 and we're already hearing buzz about the upcoming Oscars ceremony. 

Why? Well, with less than a week to go, the drama has well and truly begun.

My colleague and Senior Entertainment Writer Chelsea McLaughlin has explained everything that's been going down right here (including a pretty big invite snub). 

But first, lets get you across the biggest news stories women are talking about this morning. 

1. NSW MP Gareth Ward charged over historic sex abuse allegations.

This post deals with the topic of sexual abuse and might be triggering to some readers.

NSW MP and former Liberal minister Gareth Ward has been charged over the alleged historic sexual abuse of a teenage boy and a man.

The 40-year-old was charged on Tuesday with three counts of assault with an act of indecency, and one count each of sexual intercourse without consent and common assault.

NSW Police allege he indecently assaulted a 17-year-old boy at Meroo Meadow in February 2013, and sexually abused a 27-year-old man in Sydney in September 2015.

Premier Dominic Perrottet, who is on paternity leave, immediately called for Ward to resign from parliament, saying he will take steps to remove him unless he does.

"While Mr Ward is entitled to the presumption of innocence, as any citizen is, the standards expected of an elected member of parliament are not compatible with the seriousness of the charges he is facing," the premier said in a statement.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has called for Gareth Ward's immediate resignation from parliament.

If he refuses - the Premier will move a motion to have him removed. #nswpol pic.twitter.com/9OqlKY3OHL

— Tim Fernandez (@TimFernandezz) March 22, 2022

Ward on Tuesday said he was "totally innocent of the charges brought against me" in a statement provided to the ABC.

"I will be instructing my lawyers to seek to bring this matter before the courts as quickly as possible and I look forward to demonstrating my innocence there," he said.

Ward was granted conditional bail and will appear at Port Kembla Local Court on May 18.

Meanwhile, in other news, NSW Liberal MP Tanya Davies has given a speech attacking COVID-19 vaccination mandates, saying she thinks her own government has gone too far.

Tanya Davies addressed the anti-vaccination rally outside NSW parliament on Tuesday, congratulating protesters for calling "on this government for fairness and for freedom".

If this post brings up any issues for you, or if you just feel like you need to speak to someone, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. It doesn’t matter where you live, they will take your call and, if need be, refer you to a service closer to home.

You can also call safe steps 24/7 Family Violence Response Line on 1800 015 188 or visit www.safesteps.org.au for further information.

The Men’s Referral Service is also available on 1300 766 491 or via online chat at www.ntv.org.au.

2. 'Brave' Hannah Clarke spoke following attack.

This post deals with the topic of domestic violence and might be triggering to some readers.

An "incredibly brave" Hannah Clarke gave extensive detail of a fiery ambush by her estranged husband just minutes after the attack that took the life of her children and then herself.

At the time, only three per cent of the 31-year-old's body wasn't affected by burns - injuries so severe medical experts at the scene didn't expect her to survive, an inquest in Brisbane has been told. 

"It was just amazing the things she was able to tell me and how much she was able to help us," Senior Constable Angus Skaines said on Tuesday.

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A post shared by Mamamia (@mamamiaaus)

Clarke was leaving her parent's Camp Hill home in Brisbane with children Aaliyah, six, Laianah, four, and Trey, three, in February 2020 when Rowan Baxter set it alight. 

Senior Constable Skaines said Clarke was incredibly brave as she provided fine details like the spelling of names and giving addresses and dates of birth when he arrived about 8.37am.

Clarke was "amazingly" able to answer his questions, although at one stage said she couldn't stand anymore because it was getting too much, he said. 

The inquest before coroner Jane Bentley continues.

If this post brings up any issues for you, or if you just feel like you need to speak to someone, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. It doesn’t matter where you live, they will take your call and, if need be, refer you to a service closer to home.

You can also call safe steps 24/7 Family Violence Response Line on 1800 015 188 or visit www.safesteps.org.au for further information.

The Men’s Referral Service is also available on 1300 766 491 or via online chat at www.ntv.org.au.

3. Putin critic Alexei Navalny jailed for nine years. 

A Russian court has found jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny guilty of large-scale fraud, sentencing him to nine years in prison. 

The 45-year-old was already serving a two-and-a-half year sentence at a prison camp east of Moscow for parole violations related to charges that he says were fabricated to thwart his political ambitions.

Navalny was jailed last year when he returned to Russia after receiving medical treatment in Germany following an attack with a Soviet-era nerve toxin during a visit to Siberia in 2020.

Navalny blamed Putin for the attack but the Kremlin said it had seen no evidence that he had been poisoned and denied any Russian role if he had.

His existing sentence will be incorporated into the one handed down on Tuesday, said his lawyers, both of whom were briefly detained after the hearing.

After sentence was pronounced, President Vladimir Putin's most prominent critic reacted on Twitter: "I want to say: the best support for me and other political prisoners is not sympathy and kind words, but actions. Any activity against the deceitful and thievish Putin's regime. Any opposition to these war criminals."

9 years. Well, as the characters of my favorite TV series “The Wire” used to say: “You only do two days. That's the day you go in and the day you come out"
I even had a T-shirt with this slogan, but the prison authorities confiscated it, considering the print extremist.

— Alexey Navalny (@navalny) March 22, 2022

Judge Margarita Kotova, who confirmed Navalny had pleaded "not guilty" to the fraud charges, said he would remain under some restrictions for 20 months after his release.

4. Search for victims of Chinese plane crash.

Rescuers are combing heavily forested mountain slopes in southern China, using shovels and torches in their hunt for victims and flight recorders from a China Eastern Airlines jet that crashed with 132 people on board.

About 600 soldiers, firefighters and police marched to the crash site, a patch of about 1 sq km in a location hemmed in by mountains on three sides, after excavators cleared a path, state television said.

It added that the search for the recorders, or "black boxes", of the Boeing 737-800 involved in China's first crash of a commercial jetliner since 2010, would be carried out in grid-by-grid fashion, probably through the night.

Personal items including wallets and bank cards have been found amongst the wreckage of a plane that crashed in Southern China whilst carrying 132 people. #9Today pic.twitter.com/Yp2bfi9oQd

— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) March 22, 2022

Flight MU5735 was headed on Monday for the port city of Guangzhou from Kunming, capital of the southwestern province of Yunnan, when it plunged from cruising altitude to crash in the mountains of Guangxi less than an hour before landing time.

State television has shown images of plane debris strewn among trees charred by fire. Burnt remains of identity cards and wallets were also seen.

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Monday appointed an investigator, as the Boeing aircraft was produced in the United States, but it was unclear if the investigator would travel to China.

5. Police are investigating two incidents on MAFS.

Police have confirmed they are investigating two incidents that have taken place on this season of Married At First Sight.  

According to news.com.au, NSW Police said a complaint was lodged on Thursday, February 24 about an incident that occurred in November 2021 on a property in Bargo, where the show was filming when contestant Domenica Calarco infamously smashed a wine glass against a table. 

A NSW Police spokesperson confirmed the inquiry was ongoing to news.com.au.

Police have been called to examine Married At First Sight after a shocking glass smash incident and a nude photo leak. https://t.co/0YpothHpRu

— The Daily Telegraph (@dailytelegraph) March 22, 2022

Police also confirmed a second complaint was made on March 19, 2022, to officers at the Inner West Police area command about the alleged distribution of an image without consent late last year, according to the publication. 

It comes after 123,000 people have signed a Change.org petition calling for the "e-safety commissioner to immediately take action against [contestant] Olivia Frazer" for sharing an image of Domenica with other contestants without her consent. 

Now you're all up to speed. We'll be back to bring you more of the biggest news stories throughout the day. 

 - With AAP. 

Every year, tens of thousands of Aussies undergo weight loss surgery - a process that comes at great personal and economic cost - yet the procedure is still regularly treated with disdain by others.

The Quicky speaks to an expert bariatric surgeon, a GP and a woman who has had the operation to dispel the myths and judgement, and find out what is really involved in having weight loss surgery.

READ: 

• What women were talking about on Tuesday
• What women were talking about on Monday

Feature Image: Getty/Twitter.