Iga Swiatek says she ‘never imagined’ becoming world number one

Iga Swiatek says she “never really imagined” becoming world number one, after replacing Ashleigh Barty at the top of the rankings.  

The Polish star thrashed Viktorija Golubic 6-2 6-0 in the second round of the Miami Open on Friday to clinch the coveted number one spot, following Barty’s retirement from professional tennis. 

Swiatek, who is still only 20-years-old, becomes the 28th woman to top the WTA rankings in the open era, and the first Polish player to do so. 

Speaking after her latest win in in Miami, Swiatek said becoming world number one was something that hadn’t really occurred to her. 

“The thing is, I never really imagined that moment because, truth to be told, I was working day-by-day and playing tennis well,” she said.

“But I never had the strong belief that it can actually happen. So, it’s even more surreal for me.”

#2 Iga Swiatek clinches the #1 ranking by battling early and then blitzing, beating Viktorija Golubic 6-2, 6-0. Swiatek, still only 20 years old, will be the 28th woman to occupy the WTA #1 singles ranking.#MiamiOpen

Swiatek has been in exceptional form so far in 2022 and is currently on a 13 match unbeaten streak. 

Having won the Qatar Open earlier this month, the Pole followed this up by winning Indian Wells last week to capture her third WTA 1000 title. 

And victory against Golubic ensured she would take over from Barty when the new rankings are released on April 4th. 

Swiatek is a greatly admired player on the tour and many have praised the impressive youngster for her historic achievement.

In her latest press conference, Barty, who had held the top spot for 119 consecutive weeks, acknowledged the prospect of Swiatek rising to world number one.

 “If it is Iga, there is no better person,”