Imagine being at the pinnacle of your sport, reigning as the undisputed world number one, only to walk away from it all at the peak of your powers. That’s exactly what Ash Barty did in 2022, leaving the tennis world stunned and sparking endless speculation about who would claim her throne. But here’s where it gets controversial: Did Barty’s retirement pave the way for Iga Swiatek’s rise, or was Swiatek destined for greatness regardless? Let’s dive into this fascinating chapter of tennis history.
Ash Barty was more than just a tennis player; she was a phenomenon. At just 25 years old, she had already secured her third Grand Slam title at the 2022 Australian Open, capping off an extraordinary run that saw her dominate the sport for over 80 consecutive weeks as the world number one. Yet, in a move that shocked fans and pundits alike, she decided to retire, citing a desire to ‘chase other dreams.’ Her departure not only left a void in the sport but also opened the door for one of her rivals to ascend to the top spot. But who did Barty herself think deserved to take her place?
During her emotional retirement press conference, Barty was asked about the potential successor to her throne. Her response was both humble and telling. ‘I’m not sure of what the possibilities are,’ she admitted, ‘but if it is Iga [Swiatek], there is no better person.’ Barty’s admiration for Swiatek was palpable. She praised the Polish star’s ‘fresh, fearless energy’ and her incredible talent, both on and off the court. ‘I loved testing myself against her,’ Barty added, reflecting on their two WTA Tour encounters, both of which she won. But Barty’s endorsement went beyond personal rivalry; she genuinely believed Swiatek deserved the top ranking.
And Barty’s wish came true. On April 4, 2022, Swiatek officially took over as the world number one, a position she has since defended with remarkable consistency. In fact, just two years later, Swiatek surpassed Barty in the all-time list for weeks at the top, cementing her status as one of the sport’s all-time greats. But here’s the part most people miss: Would Swiatek have reached the summit even if Barty hadn’t retired? Tennis legend Chris Evert thinks so. Speaking in 2022, Evert boldly claimed, ‘Iga would have reached the number one spot regardless. Her mental strength, commitment, and attitude are on another level.’
Today, Swiatek stands as a six-time Grand Slam champion, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of her generation. However, her reign isn’t without challenges. As of 2025, she trails Aryna Sabalenka in the WTA rankings, ranked number two with a significant points gap to close. The race to reclaim the top spot promises to be thrilling, with key tournaments like Wuhan and the WTA Finals offering Swiatek opportunities to narrow the gap. Could she return to the summit at the 2026 Australian Open? Only time will tell.
But here’s the question that lingers: Was Swiatek’s rise a product of Barty’s absence, or was it simply a matter of time before she claimed her rightful place? And as we watch the current battle between Swiatek and Sabalenka unfold, it’s impossible not to wonder: Who will emerge as the next undisputed queen of tennis? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Swiatek’s success was inevitable, or did Barty’s retirement play a pivotal role? The debate is open, and we can’t wait to hear your take!
