Pole star: Iga Swiatek is the new World No 1

Iga Swiatek will replace Ashleigh Barty as World No 1 in women's tennis

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Iga Swiatek equals Serena Williams 27-match winning streak

Poland’s Iga Swiatek will take over from Ashleigh Barty as the new World No 1 when the rankings are released on Monday, April 4, following the Miami Open.

Swiatek, the 2020 French Open champion, will become the first man or woman from Poland to ascend to the No.1 position in singles.

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At 20 years, 308 days of age, Swiatek will become the youngest player to make the WTA World No.1 debut since Caroline Wozniacki did so in 2010, aged 20 years and 92 days.

Last week, Barty had announced shock retirement from the sport, at the age of 25, vacating the No 1 spot in women’s tennis.

Swiatek’s victory over Viktorija Golubic in the second round at Miami helped her secure the top ranking.

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Appropriately, Alicia Keys’ “Girl on Fire” played on the public address system as the Pole motored to her 12th win in a row.

“For sure it would be for me something special to be World No. 1. I never expected that, if it’s going to happen it’s going to happen that way,” Swiatek said.

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Speaking about the prospect of Swiatek becoming number one following her retirement, Barty had said: “If it is Iga, there is no better person.

“She’s an incredible person, a great player. The way she’s brought this fresh, fearless energy on to the court has been incredible.

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“She thoroughly deserves it. 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.”

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