Iga Świątek is set to replace Ash Barty, but what else do we know about her? The next No 1 women’s tennis player idolises Rafael Nadal and is already a millionaire at age 20

Apr 2 , 2022

Iga Świątek is set to become world No 1 in women’s tennis, replacing Ashleigh Barty. Photo: @iga.swiatek/Instagram

The 20-year-old Polish tennis player will replace Ashleigh Barty’s world No 1 ranking in April, following the unexpected announcement of the Aussie player’s retirement in March

Świątek comes from an athletic family, with her Olympic rower father Tomasz Świątek encouraging her career, and she already has endorsements with brands like Rolex and Toyota

As Australian tennis legend Ashleigh Barty officially called it quits, Polish player Iga Świątek is set to replace her as world No 1.

“There is no better person,” Barty is quoted in Tennis World USA, in response to Świątek levelling up. “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.”

Świątek revealed to the press that she was unaware a retiring player could actually request for their name to be taken off rankings following retirement. “I was really emotional,” Świątek revealed via WTA Tennis, admitting that she was “crying for a long time” upon hearing about Barty’s retirement.

Iga Świątek will take over as world No 1 in women’s tennis. Photo: @iga.swiatek/Instagram

Set to be the next No 1, Świątek, currently at No 2, told the press: “Actually after Indian Wells it became my goal. It’s pretty weird for it to be my goal for two days and it may actually happen that quick.”

Świątek secured her spot following significant wins at the ongoing Miami Open.

Awaiting her official No 1 standing come Monday, April 4, we dig into Świątek’s career highs and the fun titbits to know about the Polish top seed.

Rise to the top

Iga Świątek is a 20-year-old Polish tennis player. Photo: @iga.swiatek/Instagram

The 20-year-old’s father, Olympic rower Tomasz Świątek, was set on making his daughter a competitive athlete. Świątek attempted swimming before switching to tennis. In 2016, she turned pro and has been making a great impression since.

Świątek went undefeated in seven ITF finals before qualifying for the WTA tours in 2019. She played her first main draw at the 2019 Australian Open. In 2020, then ranked No 54, Świątek won the Roland Garros title, her first WTA title ever, and at only 19 years old. She was also named the WTA Fan Favourite Singles Player of the Year.

Iga Świątek of Poland reacts after defeating Viktorija Golubic of Switzerland during a second-round match of the Miami Open tennis tournament at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on March 25. Photo: EPA-EFE

The year so far has been amazing for Świątek, having won at the Qatar Open and at the Indian Wells Open, bringing her to the No 2 spot.

To date, Świątek’s career prize money is estimated to about US$7.2 million, according to the WTA. First Sportz estimates her net worth to be US$10 million, accumulated from winnings and endorsements under her name, including Asics, Xiaomi and luxury brands Rolex and Toyota Lexus.