Iga Swiatek explains why Ashleigh Barty’s sudden retirement ‘hit laborious’

World No.1 Iga Swiatek has defined how she was impacted by Ashleigh Barty’s retirement again in 2022. Barty confirmed in March final 12 months that she could be calling time on her skilled tennis profession.

Barty shocked the tennis world by saying her retirement at simply 25 years of age. The Australian posted a video on Instagram when she introduced the news, with the video that includes herself and her former double’s associate, Casey Dellacqua.

The world No.1 spot was held by Barty when she introduced her retirement with the choice coming lower than two months after Barty received the Australian Open in Melbourne.

The victory at her house grand slam was Barty’s third main title of her profession, having beforehand received the French Open and Wimbledon. Following Barty’s retirement, Swiatek took the spot as one of the best participant on the WTA Tour.

Follow us on X for one of the best and newest in sports activities news

Now Swiatek, who herself has received 4 grand slam titles, has spoken about how she was affected by the news of Barty’s retirement final 12 months. The reigning French Open winner admitted the announcement led to her questioning what could occur along with her profession sooner or later.

“I didn’t fully understand what had happened,” Swiatek informed 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 an important loss for the game. I’ve nice respect for her. Besides, I had an concept what the top of her profession would imply for me. I used to be No.1 for only a few days, and all of a sudden there was a chance to maneuver to the highest of the rankings.

“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 earlier than Aryna Sabalenka overtook her within the rankings after reaching the US Open Final. The change in rankings would final simply over a month, with Swiatek’s victory on the WTA Finals seeing her overtake Sabalenka and regain the No.1 spot.