Former world No.3 Pam Shriver doubts Ashleigh Barty will see out 2022 as the world No.1.
Barty finished last year in the top spot, achieving the feat for the third consecutive season. The title was the icing on the cake for Barty in a year full of highlights including her first Wimbledon championship and engagement to her long-term partner.
“Actually, I think there will be a new No.1,” Shriver told the WTA.
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“I’m not exactly sure whom, but I think Ash has had a great run and I think it could be somebody in the top five.
“I’m looking at the points, and I think the most likely one is Garbiñe Muguruza.
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“It could be Aryna Sabalenka, if she buries those demons. It wasn’t just what Garbiñe showed at Guadalajara, but she and [coach] Conchita [Martinez] have developed a solid partnership. I feel she’s underachieved in the last couple of years, but I think the second half of 2021 she started to show more of the promise that took her to a French and a Wimbledon title.
“I’m looking at Ash’s lead and it’s not insignificant.
“Ash Barty, as great as she is, I don’t see her as being on top for 154 consecutive weeks. She’s so solid, but I just think someone else is going to step up”.
Barty will be in action at the Adelaide International later this week after being scheduled a first round bye on the opening day of play.
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