Ashleigh Barty thinks that Iga Swiatek is a heavy favourite to replace her with No. 1 ranking. The Australian announced her retirement suddenly from her professional tennis career on Wednesday which left the sports fraternity in shock. The three-time Grand Slam champion asked to remove her name from the WTA Rankings.
“There is no better person to become World Number 1. She is incredible,” said Barty on Swiatek reported We Are Tennis, on Twitter. The 2022 Australian Open champion further said that she “loved playing against her”. The player also enjoyed practising and spending time with the Polish star. Barty thinks that Swiatek ” totally deserves” to be on top of the rankings.
Following the removal of Barty,’s name, Iga Swiatek is anticipated to become the new World No. 1 following her tremendous form. The Polish professional has been in a very strong form this year. After her stunning triumph at the Indian Wells Masters 2022 defeating Maria Sakkari, the 20-year-old moved up to No. 2. She needs to advance to at least the second round of the ongoing tournament Miami Open in Florida to have the number one rank of the WTA.