Tennis-Poland’s Swiatek savours ‘surreal’ No. 1 achievement

Miami, March 26 (BNA) – Poland’s Iga Swiatek said winning the women’s world number one was a “surreal” achievement, as the 20-year-old is set to replace retired Ash Party at the top of the rankings.

Swiatek sealed the rankings by defeating Viktorija Golubic 6-2, 6-0 in the second round of the Miami Open on Friday, becoming the first Polish player to climb to number one in the singles, Reuters reported.

She will become the world’s number one when the WTA rankings are released on April 4. At 20 years, 308 days old, Swiatek will be the youngest player to debut since Caroline Wozniacki in 2010.

“It’s definitely a dream come true,” Swiatek told reporters. “It’s the kind of thing that I wanted to happen one day, but I didn’t really know it would be possible for me.

“I never really imagined that moment, because the truth has to be said, I was working out day in and day out and playing tennis really well, but I never had such a strong belief that it could actually happen. So it’s more surreal to me.”

Swiatek, who won her first Grand Slam title at the 2020 French Open, said she is ready to deal with the pressures of being a number one player.

“I think it’s going to be a little different and maybe a little bit more hype, but I’m ready for it,” she said.

“Honestly, it’s part of the job, so I always knew if I was going to make it, you’d be there. I really appreciate people being really passionate and really excited because sometimes I think I’m playing with them.

“But from my point of view, I don’t think anything is going to change,” she said with a smile. “Maybe I should have watched if I was wearing clean clothes and if I was representing tennis well.”

Swiatek, who has already won titles in Doha and Indian Wells this year, is taking charge after Barty’s surprise announcement to be sidelined after winning three Grand Slam titles including the Australian Open in January.

Barty wasted no time in congratulating Swiatek, who would become the 28th woman to win the Women’s No. 1 ranking.

“There is no one better,” Barty said in a post-match message. “The way you brought this new, fearless energy onto the field was amazing.

“I hope she takes it and it stays her, does it her own way, and really chases after what she’s pursuing in her career and her dreams.”

Swiatek said she is grateful for Barty’s words.

“She’s a great athlete,” Swiatek said. “I have always respected Ashley and she has given me a lot of motivation to work on tennis.”

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