Iga Świątek Opens Up About Aryna Sabalenka and Her Team – A Rivalry with Respect

Świątek Said What She Thinks About Sabalenka and Her Team. The Belarusian Stood Right Next to Her

“I think we are creating something that the WTA has been missing for a long time,” Iga Świątek said quite confidently. She made this statement in the context of her rivalry with Aryna Sabalenka. After a joint practice session in Doha, the Polish player gave an interview in which she shared her thoughts on the Belarusian and her team. These words are bound to make headlines.

The battle between Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek for the WTA No. 1 ranking has fans on the edge of their seats, even earning the nickname “Sabatek.” Świątek held the top spot for 125 weeks, but since late October 2024, Sabalenka has been the leader. Currently, the difference between the two players is less than 200 points. Despite their intense on-court battles, they have great respect for each other, and the WTA 1000 event in Doha provided another example of that.

The tournament began on Sunday, February 9, with Świątek defending her title. Both she and Sabalenka arrived in Qatar’s capital a few days before the event. A promotional video surfaced online, showing them strolling through the streets of Doha, posing for photos, and even playing a short practice match together.

They met again during a training session. Afterward, Świątek gave a brief interview, where she was asked about Sabalenka. “What do you think of Aryna?” As soon as Świątek heard the question, she burst out laughing, as did Sabalenka, who could be heard in the background. However, the Pole did not shy away from answering and responded immediately.

“That’s a tough question. I’ll be diplomatic,” she said with a laugh. “I want to hear this,” Sabalenka quipped. “It’s definitely amazing to have such an outstanding athlete as a rival. We motivate each other, and sometimes we create great spectacles when competing on opposite sides of the net. I think we are creating something that the WTA has been missing for a long time because we have a fantastic rivalry. Fans are excited every time they see us both,” Świątek continued.

“I think it’s great that we both play amazing tennis and can push each other. It’s helpful in a career to have such a competitor,” she added. But she didn’t stop there. She was also asked about Sabalenka’s team.

“It’s one of the most professional teams on tour that I have ever seen. They take care of everything. Just like in my case, having the right people around allows us both to grow and become great athletes. Without them, it would definitely be much harder. We need professionals and knowledgeable people who can sometimes guide us and show us what’s right and what’s wrong. Aryna’s team does that excellently and supports her in every situation. Every player needs that,” Świątek concluded.

Now, the focus shifts to competition in Doha. Both players received a first-round bye. Świątek will face the winner of Maria Sakkari vs. Elena-Gabriela Ruse, while Sabalenka will take on either Emma Raducanu or Ekaterina Alexandrova.