“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.”

Ever since retiring from the sport, Barty has ventured into new areas: she has authored books, married golfer Garry Kissick, and even played professional cricket. Known for her all-court game, Barty possessed a versatile shot-making ability and was a standout server, frequently ranking among the WTA Tour’s top players in aces and service points won.

However, this is not the first time when Iga Swiatek has opened up on Ash Barty’s retirement. Back in 2023, she opened up on the same thing.

‘I was sobbing’- when Ashleigh Barty’s retirement left Iga Swiatek crying

When Ashleigh Barty announced her retirement from tennis at just 25, Iga Swiatek, then world no. 2, felt an intense wave of emotion. “I was sobbing. I couldn’t stop crying,” Swiatek revealed. In an interview with The Players’ Tribune, the Polish star opened up about how deeply the news affected her. “It might sound strange, but I was so confused and shocked that Ash was 25, and she was retiring,” she shared.

Swiatek explained the sudden uncertainty she faced, having held the no. 2 ranking for only 3 days. “There was some confusion about what was going to happen,” she admitted. The early retirement challenged her long-held idea that players step away from the game only when their bodies can no longer cope, typically in their early 30s.

Upon watching Barty’s retirement video on Instagram, Swiatek began to understand her decision. “Right now, I understand it even more,” she reflected. Swiatek acknowledged Barty’s unmatched skill, saying, “Ash has the best tennis out there, hands down.” Struggling to process it all, she admitted, “I didn’t know if she was unhappy or something.” Interestingly, Iga Swiatek and Ash Barty have played each other twice and the Aussie star came up on top on both occasions.

Ashleigh Barty’s career was truly an exceptional one. Her retirement left a huge impact on everyone. What are your thoughts on the same? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!