"Nobody said we have to play until 35": Iga Swiatek fails to rule out Ashleigh Barty retirement route

Iga Swiatek admits that she could yet go down the Ashleigh Barty route, but that unlike the Aussie, she would likely continue to play through and keep trying first and foremost.

Barty won multiple Grand Slams and ticked off her tennis bucket list before suddenly retiring aged 25 in 2022. This led to Iga Swiatek taking over as the leading light in WTA tennis. By her own admission, a position she struggled with at times.

But Swiatek who has recently spoken about her dismay surrounding the current calendar said that she may not be able to play until 35 given the current demands being put on players so could take the opportunity to leave the sport earlier.

"Nobody knows what the future will bring," she said to SportoweFakty.

"We can't control everything. Ash had achieved so much that she had every right to take such a step. I don't know if I would have the courage to make a similar decision. I would probably keep playing, keep trying. On the other hand, I know that each year can be more challenging.

"Currently, we have a lot of responsibilities outside the court, we are constantly observed and assessed. Nobody said that we have to play until the age of 35, when we will barely be able to walk because of the wear and tear on our bodies.

"The other thing is that I don't want to let it wear out like that. That's why sometimes I have to make difficult decisions, judged by others, and give up a performance."