“A Great Loss for the Sport” – Iga Swiatek Highlights the Saddening Impact of Ashleigh Barty’s Shocking Retirement

“I achieved my dreams,” said Ashleigh Barty when she announced her retirement from the sport. A young Aussie legend, who took the WTA world by storm made everyone fall in love with her rhythm on the court. However, her decision to retire from the sport sent everyone in shock, including Iga Swiatek. The current world number 2 opened up on Barty’s decision to retire and how she felt about it.

Ashleigh Barty announced her retirement from tennis in March 2022 at the young age of 25. As a former world number one and three-time Grand Slam singles champion, Barty left behind a powerful legacy. She won the French Open in 2019, Wimbledon in 2021, and the Australian Open in 2022, making her mark as one of the most versatile players in recent years. Barty also achieved success in doubles, winning the 2018 US Open with partner Coco Vandeweghe. Her impressive career included 15 singles and 12 doubles titles on the WTA Tour.
Reflecting on Barty’s unexpected retirement, current world number two Iga Swiatek recently shared her reaction. “I didn’t understand what had happened,” Swiatek admitted during an interview with the Billie Jean King Cup’s media personnel. “Ash was the undisputed leader, playing the best tennis. Even if I knew where she was going to hit, it was still difficult to face her shot.” Swiatek noted that Barty’s departure felt “strange” and was a “great loss for the sport.”

Swiatek also recognized the impact Barty’s retirement had on her career, saying, “I had only been number 2 for a few days when suddenly the opportunity to climb to the top of the rankings presented itself to me.”