Ashleigh Barty sees latest career high statistic eclipsed by Iga Swiatek after Pole took over mantle as World No.1 post retirement

Polish tennis star Iga Swiatek continues to rack up the accolades on the WTA Tour. The World No.1 reached a new milestone this week at the Madrid Open that has seen her surpass predecessor Ashleigh Barty.

Barty was at the top of the tennis world when she shockingly announced her retirement in March 2022. The Aussie star left a gap that many believed would take months to fill. However, Swiatek emerged and quickly put the WTA circuit on notice, seizing the World No.1 ranking, a position she has barely relinquished since.

Barty retired with an astounding 305 match wins to her name, opting to focus on other matters including raising a family. Following her retirement, Swiatek rapidly ascended the WTA Rankings ladder, accruing wins and titles in her journey to the top. After reaching the century mark in weeks spent at the Number 1 position, Swiatek overtook Barty in number of match wins this week in Madrid.

The 22-year old recorded her 307th match win, and is en route to winning a lot more as she hopes to lift the title in Madrid. Swiatek fought past a determined Beatriz Haddad Maia in the quarterfinals, and is slated to face American Madison Keys in the semifinals. Should the Polish star advance to the final, she'll have the opportunity to finally lift the title at the event where she finished runner-up last year.