Iga Swiatek to become No 1 but Sakkari not far back | Ashleigh Barty shock retirement creates ripples
The Aussie star’s sudden retirement has shocked the world, but it seems to be a foregone conclusion that Iga Swiatek will take her place in the WTA rankings.
Though the 20-year-old Swiatek is a colossal 2,204 ranking points behind Barty, but there will be a new number one in the next few days and the second-placed Pole is in the best position.
Ashleigh Barty said yesterday that she will withdraw herself from the WTA rankings after revealing her retirement, paving the way for Poland’s Iga Swiatek to become the world’s top seed.
The 3-time Grand Slam-winning Barty has held top spot for more than couple of years. The world of tennis has been stunned with the Aussie star’s decision to quit at a very young age of 25.
Swiatek, who shot to fame by winning the Roland Garros title in 2020 and has shown incredible consistency since, told the media at the Miami Open that she is trying not to think about it too much.
Swiatek is only 691 points ahead of 3rd-ranked Maria Sakkari of Greece after winning at Indian Wells last week, her 2nd title in as many tournaments after her victory in Doha in February.
Speaking in public for the first time since revealing her shock retirement, Barty told a press conference in Brisbane: “My name will be removed from the list in the next ranking”.
Under the emerging scenario Sakkari and Swiatek have already formed quite a rivalry. What seems obvious is that if Swiatek blinks or wastes her No. 1 status opportunity, then Sakkari will be there close at her heels to grab it from her.
Sakkari and Swiatek locked horns for the first time at last year’s French Open and since then have had four more meetings.
Sakkari dominated Swiatek last year, beating the Pole at the Ostrava, Roland Garros and WTA Finals.
This year has started off slightly better for Swiatek but their rivalry is palpable.
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