“It’s becoming more…,” Aryna Sabalenka opens up about relationship with greatest rival Iga Swiatek after they train together
Aryna Sabalenka shares an intense rivalry with Iga Swiatek but off the court, their relationship has become more chilled.
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Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek (Images via X)
Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka surprised the fans when they kept each other on their toes while training together during the World Tennis League exhibition in Abu Dhabi. Sabalenka later shared the clip on her Instagram.
Sabalenka is in Brisbane where she will lock horns with Renata Zarazua in the first round. In the press conference before the tournament, Sabalenka was asked whether it was strange to practice with Swiatek who has now become her biggest rival.
Yeah, it was fun (training together). It all started on. The Finals. I asked her to do TikTok. I was, ‘Okay, whatever, I’m going to ask and see what happens. I thought we have to stay together and have fun and just enjoy our rivalry, not be too tough on each other. So I asked. We did it. Since that, we already practiced for couple of times. Then I was doing fitness after our hit. She was like, ‘I can join you guys.’ I am like, ‘Yeah, let’s do that.’ We filmed it and post it.
Aryna Sabalenka told reporters
Sabalenka and Swiatek ruled on the WTA Tour in the 2024 season. Swiatek clinched just the French Open and took home four more titles, while Sabalenka emerged victorious in four tournaments, including at the Australian Open and the US Open. But the match that won the WTA Match of the Year was their final clash at the Madrid Open, which the World No.1 lost after failing to convert three championship points.
Sabalenka also dethroned Swiatek from the No.1 position in the rankings. In spite of the intense on-court rivalry, Sabalenka said both of them are trying to have fun off the court.
It’s been becoming more chill between us, too. I have to say she’s really nice person. It was fun to get to know each other.
Aryna Sabalenka added
Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka in Abu Dhabi
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 23, 2024
“Keeping each other on our toes” 😂
pic.twitter.com/VUxIJaBdX1
Aryna Sabalenka confident of winning more Grand Slam titles
Aryna Sabalenka is a three-time Grand Slam singles champion but she is confident of her abilities to win more in the future. Instead of focusing on what lies ahead of her, the 26-year-old thinks it’s better to focus on her game and keep improving each day.
I definitely have confidence in Grand Slams. I know I am capable of many things, that I am capable of holding that beautiful trophy. It’s good to know, but there is still a long way to go. Many things need to be done. I prefer to focus step by step.
Aryna Sabalenka said at the press conference
Sabalenka will be bidding to complete a threepeat at the 2025 Australian Open, which starts on January 12. She won her first Major in singles at the 2023 Australian Open by beating Elena Rybakina. Then in 2024, she defended her title by breezing past Qinwen Zheng.
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Gouri Das
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