When the world’s best player suddenly walks away, it leaves everyone asking—why now? In 2022, tennis fans were left stunned when Ash Barty, the reigning world number one and reigning Australian Open champion, decided to retire at just 25 years old. At the very peak of her career, Barty shocked the sporting world by announcing she wanted to step away from tennis to pursue “other dreams.” But what made the decision even more intriguing was her hope for who would carry the torch after her. And this is the part most people miss…
The Sudden Goodbye
Just months after conquering her home Slam, the Australian Open, and collecting her third Grand Slam title, Barty called time on her professional tennis career. For 114 consecutive weeks—over 80 weeks longer than any other active player—she had held the world number one ranking. Yet, despite dominating the sport and sitting firmly at the summit, she chose peace and curiosity over competition.
By stepping away, Barty didn’t just vacate the top spot—she opened the door for another star to step in. The question on everyone’s mind was: who did Ash Barty think deserved to follow in her footsteps?
Passing the Torch: Ash Barty’s Pick
During her emotional retirement press conference, Barty was asked about the next world number one. Her answer was warm, heartfelt, and pointed: she hoped Iga Swiatek would take over the top ranking. “If it is Iga,” Barty said, “there is no better person. She’s an incredible player, and the fearlessness she brings to the court is remarkable.”
Barty’s respect for Swiatek was rooted in their encounters on the WTA Tour. They faced off twice—once at the 2021 Madrid Open, where Barty won 7–5, 6–4, and again at the 2022 Adelaide semifinal, with Barty prevailing 6–2, 6–4. Despite holding the upper hand in both matches, Barty had nothing but admiration for the Polish rising star’s growth, intensity, and mindset.
“I loved practicing with her,” Barty shared. “She’s a brilliant person—kind, humble, and driven. I really hope she does things her way and keeps chasing her dreams.”
Barty’s Wish Fulfilled
Just weeks after Barty’s retirement, her wish came true. On April 4, 2022, Iga Swiatek officially became world number one—and she never looked back. Over the next two years, Swiatek not only solidified her reputation but even surpassed Barty’s career total of 121 weeks at number one, reaching an astonishing 125 weeks.
Here’s how the all-time leaderboard looks:
| Rank | Name | Weeks at No. 1 | Most Consecutive Weeks |
|------|------|----------------|------------------------|
| 1 | Steffi Graf | 377 | 186 |
| 2 | Martina Navratilova | 332 | 156 |
| 3 | Serena Williams | 319 | 186 |
| 4 | Chris Evert | 260 | 113 |
| 5 | Martina Hingis | 209 | 80 |
| 6 | Monica Seles | 178 | 91 |
| 7 | Iga Swiatek | 125 | 75 |
| 8 | Ash Barty | 121 | 114 |
| 9 | Justine Henin | 117 | 61 |
| 10 | Lindsay Davenport | 98 | 44 |
But that raises a controversial question—would Swiatek have achieved the same dominance if Barty hadn’t retired?
The Debate: Evert Weighs In
Tennis legend Chris Evert stirred the discussion with a bold statement in 2022. Speaking to Discovery, Evert predicted that even if Barty had stayed, Swiatek’s rise to world number one was inevitable. “She’s mentally the toughest player out there right now,” Evert said. “Her focus is relentless, her drive unmatched. Even without Barty’s retirement, I believe Iga would have reached the top.”
This claim divides fans and analysts alike—some arguing Barty’s diversified skill set would have kept her on top, others agreeing with Evert that Swiatek’s hunger and mental grit were unbeatable.
Where Things Stand Now
As of 2025, Iga Swiatek remains one of the defining players of her generation, with six Grand Slam titles to her name. However, she currently sits at world number two, trailing Belarusian powerhouse Aryna Sabalenka by 1,552 ranking points in the Live WTA standings:
- 1. Aryna Sabalenka – 10,225 points
- 2. Iga Swiatek – 8,673 points
With strong performances expected in the upcoming Wuhan Open and WTA Finals, Swiatek has a real chance to close the gap and reclaim her crown. A strong start in 2026, especially at the Australian Open, could mark her 126th week as world number one.
But here’s the real question: Did Barty’s retirement make room for Swiatek’s dominance—or was Swiatek destined to rise regardless? Was it fate, timing, or pure determination that took her to the top? Share your thoughts below—this debate is still far from settled.
