Iga Świątek Was Asked About Sabalenka – Her Immediate Reaction
Iga Świątek Was Asked About Sabalenka – Her Immediate Reaction
Iga Świątek spoke about her rivalry with Aryna Sabalenka and shared her thoughts on the Belarusian’s coaching team. “I think we are creating something that the WTA has been missing,” the Polish star emphasized after a joint practice session in Doha. Her words quickly made waves.
The rivalry between Iga Świątek and Aryna Sabalenka has captivated tennis fans for a long time. Świątek held the WTA No. 1 ranking for 125 weeks, but since October 2024, Sabalenka has taken over the top spot.
Currently, fewer than 200 points separate the two players. Despite their fierce on-court battles, they share great mutual respect, which was evident during the WTA 1000 tournament in Doha. Cameras captured their interactions both on and off the court.
During their practice session in Qatar, Świątek was asked about her rival. “That’s a tough question. I’ll be diplomatic,” she responded with a smile, which drew laughter from Sabalenka as well.
She then added: “It’s amazing to have such an incredible athlete as a competitor. We push each other to improve, and sometimes we put on a great show when we compete on opposite sides of the net. I think we are creating something that the WTA has been missing for a long time—a fantastic rivalry. Fans get excited every time they see us both.”
Świątek also had high praise for Sabalenka’s coaching team. “It’s one of the most professional teams I’ve ever seen on tour. They take care of everything. Just like in my case, having the right people around helps us grow and become great athletes,” she said.
“We need professionals and knowledgeable people who can guide us and show us what’s right and what’s wrong. Aryna’s team does that excellently and supports her in every situation,” Świątek emphasized.
The tournament in Doha began on February 9, with both players receiving a first-round bye. Świątek will face the winner of Maria Sakkari vs. Elena-Gabriela Ruse, while Sabalenka will play either Emma Raducanu or Ekaterina Alexandrova.
