Ash Barty's sudden retirement in 2022 left a void at the top of women's tennis, but she had a clear vision for who should fill her shoes. As the reigning world number one, Barty's decision to step away from the sport sparked curiosity about her successor.
During her retirement press conference, Barty expressed her admiration for Iga Swiatek, a rising star in the tennis world. "I know that if it is Iga, there is no better person," she said. Barty praised Swiatek's fearless approach and incredible energy on the court, adding, "She's an incredible person, a great tennis player."
But here's where it gets controversial... Barty's wish for Swiatek to take over the top spot wasn't just a random preference. She believed Swiatek deserved it, having tested herself against the Polish player and emerged victorious twice. "I loved practicing with her and spending time with her team. She's a brilliant person," Barty explained.
And this is the part most people miss... Barty's retirement opened the door for Swiatek to ascend to the top ranking. On April 4, 2022, Swiatek became the new world number one, a position she hasn't relinquished since. In fact, she's now overtaken Barty in the all-time list for weeks at number one.
But what if Barty hadn't retired? Would Swiatek have still reached the pinnacle of women's tennis? That's a question that has sparked debate among tennis enthusiasts and analysts alike.
Chris Evert, a legendary player herself, offered a bold perspective. "I think even if Ashleigh Barty hadn't retired, Iga would have reached the number one spot," she asserted. Evert highlighted Swiatek's mental strength and commitment to the game as key factors in her rise to the top.
Swiatek's journey hasn't been without challenges, though. As of 2025, she finds herself ranked second behind Aryna Sabalenka, with a significant points gap to close. The race for the WTA number one ranking is far from over, and Swiatek will need strong performances to reclaim her spot at the top.
The upcoming months will be crucial for Swiatek's quest to overtake Sabalenka and secure her 126th week as world number one. Will she be able to achieve this feat? Only time will tell, but it's a story worth following closely.
