Iga Swiatek explains why Ashleigh Barty’s sudden retirement ‘hit hard’
World No.1 Iga Swiatek has explained how she was impacted by Ashleigh Barty’s retirement back in 2022. Barty confirmed in March last year that she would be calling time on her professional tennis career.
Barty stunned the tennis world by announcing her retirement at just 25 years of age. The Australian posted a video on Instagram when she announced the news, with the video featuring herself and her former double’s partner, Casey Dellacqua.
The world No.1 spot was held by Barty when she announced her retirement with the decision coming less than two months after Barty won the Australian Open in Melbourne.
The victory at her home grand slam was Barty’s third major title of her career, having previously won the French Open and Wimbledon. Following Barty’s retirement, Swiatek took the spot as the best player on the WTA Tour.
Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news
Now Swiatek, who herself has won four grand slam titles, has spoken about how she was affected by the news of Barty’s retirement last year. The reigning French Open winner admitted the announcement led to her questioning what may happen with her career in the future.
“I didn’t fully understand what had happened,” Swiatek told SportoweFakty. “Ash was the undisputed leader, she played the best tennis – even though I knew where she would hit, it was still difficult to cope with her shot.
“At first, her departure was an abstraction to me. I felt it as a great loss for the sport. I have great respect for her. Besides, I had an idea what the end of her career would mean for me. I was No.1 for just a few days, and suddenly there was an opportunity to move to the top of the rankings.
Don’t miss…
Where Novak Djokovic’s old challengers are now seven years after record campaign[LATEST]
Four players primed to be next Andy Murray after Djokovic names new ‘Big Three'[LATEST]
Stefanos Tsitsipas appears to call out Novak Djokovic moments after loss[LATEST]
- Support fearless journalism
- Read The Daily Express online, advert free
- Get super-fast page loading
“It hit me hard because I never thought such a scenario would be possible. Today we live from day to day, we do not think about the future every moment. The thought comes to mind: ‘God, I could soon be the best in the world in my discipline’.”
Swiatek added: “Nobody knows what the future will bring. We can’t control everything. Ash had achieved so much that she had every right to take such a step. I don’t know if I would have the courage to make a similar decision. I would probably keep playing, keep trying.”
Swiatek held the world No.1 spot for 18 months before Aryna Sabalenka overtook her in the rankings after reaching the US Open Final. The change in rankings would last just over a month, with Swiatek’s victory at the WTA Finals seeing her overtake Sabalenka and regain the No.1 spot.
Source: Read Full Article