"Would have been a great rivalry" - Croft on Swiatek vs Barty

Friday, 04 November 2022 at 07:30

Updated at Wednesday, 11 December 2024 at 00:38

byJordan Reynolds

Annabel Croft wishes fans could have been treated to an epic rivalry between Iga Swiatek and Ashleigh Barty before the latter retired.

Barty, who recently discussed losing the fire inside her before retiring, played Swiatek twice. The Australian overcame the current WTA world No. 1 on her favorite clay courts last year at the Madrid Open. The conditions in Madrid are faster than most tournaments on clay, which helped Barty more.

Swiatek had an opportunity to get revenge against Barty in Adelaide at the start of this season, but she could not overcome the 2021 Wimbledon champion on her home turf, losing in straight sets.

Both matches they played were fascinating. Swiatek thrives most when she has rhythm in the rallies. Barty denied her that with excellent serving and using her trademark variety during the rallies.

The pair's rivalry might have developed into something special. However, Barty's retirement in March at the age of just 25 means she ends their head-to-head with a 2-0 lead with no chance for Swiatek to change that.

Former British No. 1 and respected analyst Croft would have loved to see them play more often, but she also admires Barty for retiring on her terms, even though tennis fans were devastated.

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“That would have been a great rivalry. It would have been a real cat-and-mouse rivalry.It might well have developed into one of the great rivalries and that’s something we have lacked in women’s tennis for quite some time."

“You would have very different skills, but both very talented and headstrong characters going up against each other. I guess we will never know (who would come out on top.”

“It was just extraordinary, what a way to retire. She had won everything she wanted to win and for those of us covering the sport, we were devastated and sad. We all enjoyed watching her brand of tennis and her style, that creative artistry."