Swiatek’s tribute to predecessor Barty: ‘Ash inspired me to work harder’

After playing and losing the World Tennis League final in Dubai with the Kites, Iga Swiatek is in Brisbane to play another team competition, the United Cup. After an exceptional year in 2022 in which she became world No 1 and won two more Grand Slam titles, all the counters are reset on the eve of the start of the 2023 season.

In a press conference on Wednesday, the Polish player was asked about how she became world No 1, the position she automatically inherited after Ash Barty’s retirement, and whether she felt the need to prove her new status to the world. Swiatek explained that she was proud of her dominance in 2022 – and paid a great tribute to the Australian.