Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka are keeping their electric rivalry alive at the Miami Open, both powering into the round of 16. Swiatek, currently No. 2 in the WTA rankings, relishes the chase behind top-ranked Sabalenka. The Pole ruled the roost for most of 2024, only to see the Belarusian edge her out at the finish line. Now, as the second seed in Miami, Swiatek faces 22nd seed Elina Svitolina next, while No. 1 Sabalenka takes on 14th seed Danielle Collins, the American defending her 2024 title.
Both stars have been untouchable so far, not dropping a set. Post-match, Swiatek fielded questions about reclaiming the top spot. “Of course it matters—it’s what we grind for,” she said. “But mathematically, it’s a long shot right now, even if I swept every event.” She’s made peace with it, though the Middle East swing stung—her absence from the China swing left a rankings gap. “I won big early last year, so replacing those points is tough. I’m just zeroed in on the work. If I play well, it’ll come.”
Swiatek tipped her cap to Sabalenka’s form: “Aryna’s on fire—no one expects her to crash. We’re neck-and-neck, both earning this fight. I’m not obsessing over it, just sharpening my game. That’s the smart play.” Sabalenka’s 2025 has been a wild ride—kicking off with a Brisbane International win, then faltering in the Australian Open final to Madison Keys, followed by early exits in Qatar and Dubai, and a runner-up finish at Indian Wells. Still, she holds firm at No. 1 with 9606 points to Swiatek’s 7375.
Reflecting on her long stint as No. 1, Swiatek said, “It’s a rollercoaster—some days I felt hunted, others it fueled me. You can’t feel the same every month.” In Miami, she’s gunning to shrink the gap, while Sabalenka aims to keep her rival at bay in a showdown that’s got the tennis world buzzing.
