‘I never had the strong belief it could actually happen’ Iga Swiatek becomes world no.1 as Ashleigh Barty’s retires

Iga Swiatek was in disbelief after becoming the new world no.1, following the shock news of Ashleigh Barty’s retirement earlier this week. Swiatek takes the mantle from Barty following her Miami Open second round 6-2 6-0 win against Viktorija Golubic of Switzerland, extending her career-best 12-match winning streak. Ad/> That win over Golubic follows on from winning the Indian Wells title last week – the fifth singles title in her fledgling career to date.

Tennis'Not surprised' — Wilander hails 'complete player' Swiatek as No. 1 in waiting21 HOURS AGO The 20-year-old becomes the first Polish player to sit top of the rankings to replace Barty, who remained top of the pile for 114 consecutive weeks. «The thing is, I never really imagined that moment because, truth to be told, I was working day-by-day and playing tennis well,» Swiatek said, in quotes published by BBC Sport.

«But I never had the strong belief that it can actually happen. So, it's even more surreal for me.» 'No better person' than Swiatek to replace me – Barty 'Not surprised' — Wilander hails 'complete player' Swiatek as No. 1 in waiting Swiatek will now take over from Barty once the new rankings are released on April 4, and the retiring Australian delivered a glowing tribute to her former rival.

«If it is Iga, there is no better person. She's an incredible person, a great player. The way she's brought this fresh, fearless energy on to the court has been incredible,” she added.