(Provided by Tennis World USA)
Iga Swiatek, 22, says chances of her retiring as early as Ashleigh Barty are slim to none as the Pole expects to be in her thirties when she decides to end her career. Barty, a former three-time Grand Slam champion, was just 25 and ranked at No 1 in the world when she shockingly decided from pro tennis in 2022 March.
After Barty retired, Swiatek replaced her at the world No 1 spot and the Pole has been sitting there since 2022 April. Also, Swiatek has won three Grand Slam titles since Barty decided to walk away from pro tennis. Swiatek, who turned 22 in May and is now considered the best player in the women’s game, seemingly plans to play pro tennis for at least another decade.
Swiatek on if she could retire early like Barty
“I can tell the fans that there’s no need to think about it because I won’t do it myself.
I think I’ll be the kind of tennis player who’ll be in my thirties (when I decide to retire). I also know that there are a lot of cool things that can be done in life, I have a lot of projects in my head that would be interesting in the future, and I can’t really do them now because tennis is my preoccupation.
I think if I continue to have these ideas in the future, then maybe I will have a second career,” Swiatek told Przeglad Sportowy.Swiatek made a strong start to the 2022 season and fans were looking forward to seeing if the Pole would be able to challenge Barty in the remainder of the year.
But then, Barty stunningly announced the end of her career and the rivalry between Swiatek and Barty didn’t happen. Since Barty’s retirement, Swiatek has by far had the most success on the WTA Tour.
