Iga Swiatek on Aryna Sabalenka: “Our Rivalry is What the WTA Has Been Missing”
There were plenty of smiles when Iga Swiatek was asked about Aryna Sabalenka, but the Pole ultimately believes their growing rivalry is exactly what the WTA Tour has been lacking in recent years.
Swiatek and Sabalenka have been the dominant forces in women’s tennis over the past two years, trading the world No. 1 ranking since Ashleigh Barty’s retirement in 2022. Swiatek has held the top spot for a total of 125 weeks—including a remarkable 75-week streak—while Sabalenka has now spent 25 weeks at No. 1 since overtaking her rival in October last year.
Their success extends to Grand Slam titles as well, with Swiatek claiming five majors and Sabalenka securing three.
While their rivalry initially appeared tense, the two have formed a friendlier relationship off the court in recent months, even training together toward the end of 2024. When asked about Sabalenka, Swiatek first joked before sharing her appreciation for their competitive battles.
“What do I think about Aryna? That’s a tough one (laughs). I’ll be diplomatic. No, I’m kidding,” Swiatek said with a smile.
“It’s nice to have such a great athlete as an opponent. We push each other and create great entertainment when we face off.
“I think we’re something the WTA has been missing for a while—a real rivalry that excites fans whenever we play. It’s great that we compete at such a high level and challenge each other, which is really helpful for any athlete’s career.”
Swiatek Praises Sabalenka’s Team
Sabalenka’s rise to the top has been fueled by a strong support system, including head coach Anton Dubrov, fitness coach Jason Stacy, hitting partner Andrei Vasilevski, data analyst Shane Liyanage, and biomechanics coach Gavin Macmillan. Their combined expertise has helped Sabalenka elevate her game in recent years, and Swiatek acknowledged the professionalism of her opponent’s team.
“Well, I think Aryna’s team is one of the most professional I’ve seen on tour. They take care of everything, similar to my team,” Swiatek noted.
“Because of the people we have around us, we’re both able to keep progressing and becoming better athletes. Without them, it would be much tougher. We need knowledgeable, professional people to guide us and show us what’s right or wrong.”
With both players at the peak of their careers, their rivalry is set to shape the future of women’s tennis, delivering thrilling battles that fans can look forward to for years to come.
