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Iga Swiatek's big statement in first match since replacing Ash Barty

Riley Morgan
·Sports Reporter
·2-min read
Polish tennis player Iga Swiatek (pictured) cheers after winning her Miami Open match.
Polish tennis star Iga Swiatek (pictured) continues her impressive form after having having secured the World No.1 ranking. (Getty Images)

New World No.1 Iga Swiatek has continued her brilliant run of form in 2022 after defeating American teen sensation Coco Gauff at the Miami Open.

The newly crowned tennis World No.1, following Aussie Ash Barty's shock retirement, only dropped four games on her way to a 6-3, 6-1 victory in the Round of 16.

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The 20-year-old's Miami Open tournament has been impeccable so far having only dropped nine games in total.

She becomes first person since Kim Clijsters in 2010 to achieve this feat.

Her tournament has been a big statement so far after needing to win her second round match to secure the World No.1 ranking when they are updated on April 4.

Swiatek has now won 14 matches in a row - and has entered her fifth quarter-final in 2022 - and admitted she hopes the sky is the limit.

"This is the first time I have a streak like this, so I don't even know my limit," Swiatek said.

"But, I like to think there is no limit."

Swiatek will now face either Petra Kvitova or Veronika Kudermetova in the next round.

Iga Swiatek creates World No.1 history

The 20-year-old's climb to the top of the WTA rankings has been historic.

The Pole will become the youngest World No.1, 20 years and 308 days, since Caroline Wozniacki in 2011.

She will also become the first Pole in history to reach World No.1.

And the recently retired Barty only had glowing words for her former rival and hitting partner.

"There is no better person. The way that she's brought this fresh, fearless energy onto the court has been incredible," said Barty.

Iga Swiatek (pictured right) shakes hands with Ashleigh Barty (pictured right) at the net.
Iga Swiatek (pictured right) has taken over from Ashleigh Barty (pictured right) as the new WTA World No.1. (Photo by Oscar J. Barroso / Europa Press Sports via Getty Images) (Europa Press Sports via Getty Images)

"I hope 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."

Following her retirement, Swiatek was one of the stars to praise Barty for what she had accomplished in the game.

In an interview, Swiatek admitted she shed some tears after finding out her Tour friend would be calling it a day.

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