Ashleigh Barty called Iga Swiatek “a champion” in her return to Wimbledon and also warned the WTA Tour that it is “scary” knowing that the Pole is just scratching the surface on grass and that there are big chances of seeing the current world No. 1 also become a strong force there.
Barty, a former three-time Grand Slam champion who shockingly retired from pro tennis at the age of 25 in 2022 March, was at Wimbledon on Thursday and she joined the BBC booth to do some commentary for the Swiatek and Petra Martic match.
And during her time in the booth, former world No. 1 Barty took a moment to drop a major statement on Swiatek’s hard work ethic. Since Barty walked out away from pro tennis while still being the top-ranked player, Swiatek replaced the Australian as the new world No. 1 and also the face of the women’s game.
“That’s the sign of a champion. That’s the sign of someone who is eager to improve. I just have this feeling that she and her team will never be satisfied,” Barty said.
Currently, Swiatek has 22 titles in her collection – including five Grand Slams – but she has yet to land a title on grass. But the 23-year-old Pole has been gradually improving on the fastest tennis surface as well and Barty believes that is something scary for her competition.
“Iga, she’s still learning on this surface. She knows she has a lot to improve and, for the draw, that can be scary,” Barty said.
“She’s been able to play the matches how she wants to play to her tempo. She was tested in periods today but in the same breath, she was in full control. That’s a credit to her team. Just over an hour and 20 minutes? Good day’s work.”
Meanwhile, Swiatek plays against Yulia Putintseva in the Wimbledon third round after overcoming Martic 6-4 6-3.
