'No better person' than Iga Swiatek to replace me as world No. 1 – Ashleigh Barty ahead of Miami Open

Ashleigh Barty says “there is no better person” than Iga Swiatek to replace her as world No. 1 after the Australian’s bombshell retirement aged 25. Barty was tipped to dominate for the next decade after ending a 44-year wait for a home winner at the Australian Open, with Eurosport expert Mats Wilander claiming she could win 10 more Grand Slams after taking women’s tennis to the “next level”.

Ad/> However, the three-time major winner announced on Wednesday she was leaving the sport to “chase other dreams”. Tennis'I have no regrets' — Barty on shock retirement from tennis at 252 HOURS AGO Current world No. 2 Swiatek, 20, is in pole position to replace Barty at the WTA summit, with the 2020 French Open champion needing just one win at the Miami Open to guarantee the top ranking.

Swiatek faces world No. 42 Viktorija Golubic in her opening test in Miami on Friday. “I’ll be coming off the rankings in the next cycle, which will be after Miami,” said Barty.

“It’s a new start for the tour, which is going to be really exciting for them. They’ve got exceptional players, great depth. It’s going to be really exciting for them.

'It's the right time' — Why Schett is 'not surprised' at Barty retirement Barty shuns longevity to bow out on her own terms — and deserves praise 'What a player' — Sports world reacts to huge shock as Barty retires from tennis “I’m not sure of what the possibilities are. I’ve never been one to look at it much. I know that if it is Iga, there is no better person.

She’s an incredible person, a great tennis player. The way that she’s brought this fresh, fearless energy onto the court has been incredible. “I loved testing myself against her.