‘Crying for a Long Time’ – Iga Swiatek Opens Up on Learning About Ashleigh Barty’s Sudden Retirement

The sudden retirement of 2022 Australian Open champion, Ashleigh Barty, caught the whole tennis world off guard. Many ex and current players are in disbelief after hearing the news. Also, many of them congratulated the Aussie player for having an unbelievable career and wished her all the best for the future.

Meanwhile, after Barty’s retirement, the top spot in women’s tennis is suddenly vacant and the Polish player, Iga Swiatek, will most likely grab it. In a recent interview, Swiatek revealed her thoughts about Barty’s retirement.

Iga Swiatek cried after hearing the retirement news of Ashleigh Barty

Currently, Swiatek is in Miami to play the Miami Open. During an interview, she talked about getting confused at first after hearing Barty’s retirement news. Then, she revealed that she cried a lot. Nevertheless, she praised the Australian player for being a complete tennis player, as she looked up to her.

“I was crying for a long time… I mean, yeah there was lot of confusion in me for sure but also like sadness because I… When I think of the player that is really complete in terms of physicality, mentality, and tennis wise I always thought of Ash and I always looked up to her, I mean I still do. But it would be really nice also to be able to compete against her for next few years and actually try to play better and better to be able to beat her slice (laughs). But, yeah, I mean, we are gonna miss her for sure,” Swiatek said. 

The Polish player also praised Barty for putting her happiness ahead of tennis. “I really think she’s brave because with all the expectations around, there is not many people who would stop at this point and put their happiness on the first place. That’s an example not only for tennis players or another athletes, but every person,” Swiatek further said. 

Swiatek is likely to become no.1 after Miami Open

Earlier, Barty announced that she will remove herself from the rankings, leaving the top spot vacant. If Swiatek manages to win her first match, she will become the new no.1 after the Miami Open.

Watch This Story: Glorious moments from Ashleigh Barty’s illustrious career

A few days back, she won the Indian Wells tournament by beating Maria Sakkari in the final. Looking at her current form, it will be hard for anyone to stop her at the moment. 

Meanwhile, she will start her first match against Viktorija Golubic at the Miami Open. 

Can Swiatek clinch the Miami Open as well? Let us know in the comments.

Read More: ‘I Wish I Won My Last Match in Australia’ – Naomi Osaka Upset Over Ashleigh Barty’s Sudden Retirement