Newly-retired Ash Barty says the world No. 1 ranking is in good hands if second-ranked Iga Swiatek succeeds her.
Australian Open champion Barty confirmed in a farewell conference she will have her name removed from the WTA rankings after the Miami Open. That means the WTA Tour will welcome a new world No. 1 on Monday, April 4th.
More: Swiatek Shed Tears of Sadness over Barty Retirement
Indian Wells champion Swiatek is next in line to succeed Barty though 2021 Indian Wells winner Paula Badosa also has a shot to rise to the top spot if she wins the Miami Open title.
Here's a look at the live rankings today with Barty removed, Swiatek rising to No. 1, Roland Garros champion Barbora Krejcikova at No. 2 and Badosa ranked No. 3.
Swiatek leads the WTA Tour with a 20-3 record on the season, including an 11-match winning streak. Capturing the Indian Wells title propelled Swiatek to world No. 2, equaling the highest-ever ranking for a Polish player set by Agnieszka Radwanska.
Now, Swiatek is poised to take the top spot and Barty says "there's no better person."
"If it is Iga, there is no better person," Barty said. "She's an incredible person, a great tennis player. The way that she's brought this fresh, fearless energy on to the court has been incredible.
"She thoroughly deserves it. I hope that she can take it and still be her, do it her own way, and really chase what she's after in her career and her dreams."
In her farewell press conference with Australian media, Barty did not rule out returning to tennis—or attemping another pro sport—some time down the road.
The Wimbledon champion confirmed she has a wedding date set for her marriage to long-time partner Gary Kissick and also suggested the wedding will take place in Australia.
Beyond planning her wedding, Barty said she does plan to continue playing tennis for fun and hopes to coach her nieces and nephews and introduce them to the sport she loves.
“I’m excited for my next chapter as Ash Barty, the person and not the athlete," Barty said. “I will forever be connected to tennis. I’ll never stop loving the sport. I’ll never stop hitting tennis balls. I just won’t be doing it selfishly for me to try and, you know, progress my career.
“It’ll be for different reasons and I can’t wait to get out there with young girls and boys and contribute in different ways. I’m really excited to have more time to do that and I can’t wait to get out on court and teach my nieces and nephews and hope that tennis brings them the same love that it brought me."
Photo credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty