Ashleigh Barty confirmed her decision to leave tennis at a press conference via zoom: "In the next ranking my name will be removed from the list. It will be an exciting time for the WTA Tour, which will have a new # 1.
Iga Swiatek new world no.1? There is no better person, she is wonderful off the pitch as well as being a great player. I really enjoyed comparing myself with her. She was one of the first to send me a message. She deserves it, I hope she can continue to pursue his dreams even after obtaining the first place in the ranking.
Future. You have to be patient! I have seen excellent photomontages as a jockey or as a bowl player. I love sports, I'm a fanatic like many Australians. We'll see."
Swiatek currently has 691 points ahead of Greece's Maria Sakkari, third.
She said: "Becoming number 1 could not be anything other than something special. After Indian Wells it was my goal, I don't deny it, and it's very strange that in two days everything could have changed. I was in the room, on the bed, when a member of my team gave me the news.
We talked a bit analyzing the possible scenarios, then we soon returned to focus on the tournament and the work we have to do together. I respect Ashleigh Barty's choice a lot and I think she was really brave to have made this decision, because when people expect so much from you it is difficult to stop and put their happiness in the first place.