As Aryna Sabalenka returns to the pinnacle of women’s tennis, she finds herself in the midst of a captivating rivalry with Iga Swiatek. The Belarusian star, who has secured the world No. 1 ranking ahead of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, spoke about the dynamics of their competition and the responsibilities that come with being a leader in the sport.
Sabalenka’s journey to the top has been marked by her resilience and determination. With three Grand Slam titles to her name, including two won this season, she embraces her role as a prominent figure on the WTA tour. “Overall, I think to be a leader is tough. But I think it’s a great opportunity to help the sport,” Sabalenka explained. She emphasized the importance of advocating for women in tennis, striving for equal prize money, and enhancing the quality of life for women in sports.
The rivalry with Swiatek has been a significant aspect of Sabalenka’s recent success. Their competitive history features twelve encounters, with Swiatek currently leading the head-to-head 8-4. However, Sabalenka holds a significant edge in rankings, leading Swiatek by over 1,000 points as they approach the year-end showdown in Riyadh. “I think first of all it’s really great that we have this rivalry,” Sabalenka noted. “It’s really competitive, and I really love it because this forces us to improve and motivates us to keep working.”
Both players represent a new generation of women’s tennis athletes who thrive under pressure and embrace the expectations of being at the top. Sabalenka admires Swiatek’s achievements, particularly her impressive run as world No. 1, which has included over 125 weeks in the top spot. “I always wanted to dominate the tour like Serena (Williams) did, like Iga was able to do for so long,” she said, acknowledging the challenge and inspiration that comes from competing with such a formidable rival.
Their rivalry is set against a backdrop of a record prize pool at the WTA Finals, with Sabalenka expressing her belief that both she and her peers deserve equal financial recognition for their hard work. “We are working as hard as the men do,” she remarked, highlighting the sacrifices made by female athletes in their pursuit of excellence.
As Sabalenka prepares to face rising star Zheng Qinwen in Riyadh, she remains focused on her ambitions for the upcoming tournaments. She reflects on her aspirations to conquer all surfaces, including clay and grass, after strong performances on hard courts this season. With a renewed confidence, Sabalenka looks ahead to the challenges of the WTA Finals and beyond, ready to solidify her place at the top and continue her intense rivalry with Swiatek.
Iga Swiatek in 2024
Currently ranked no.2, Iga played her last match on the 4th of September when she lost to world no.6 Jessica Pegula 6-2 6-4 in the quarter of the U.S. Open (draw).
Presently, during this year the Pole has achieved a composed 59-8 match record. Iga has won 6 titles in 2024 in Australia, Doha, Indian Wells, Madrid, Rome and French Open.
Iga Swiatek will square off with the world no.13 Barbora Krejcikova in the Round Robin on Sunday at 6:00 pm on CENTER COURT. Their head to head is 2-2.
The Pole has won 6 titles in 2024 in Australia, Doha, Indian Wells, Madrid, Rome and French Open.
The Pole won 23 titles in her career: 13 on hard courts and 10 on clay courts. (See the list of her titles)
Aryna Sabalenka in 2024
Ranked world no.1, Sabalenka played her last match on the 2nd of November when she defeated world no.7 Qinwen Zheng 6-3 6-4
in the round robin in Riyadh (draw).This year Aryna has managed to achieve a compiled 55-12 win-loss record. Sabalenka has won 4 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Wuhan. Sabalenka was the finalist in Brisbane, Madrid and Rome.
Aryna Sabalenka will face the world no.450 Petra Kvitova in the final on Saturday at 6:00 pm on CENTRE COURT. Their actual record is 3-2 for Kvitova.
The Belarussian has won 4 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Wuhan. The Belarussian reached the final in Brisbane (Brisbane International), in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) and in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia).
The Belarussian won 17 titles in her career: 13 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka faced off 12 times. Their record is 8-4 for Swiatek. The last time they competed against each other, Aryna Sabalenka won 6-3 6-3 in the semifinal in Cincinnati (Western & Southern Open) on the 18th of August 2024.
In the video below you can watch the highlights.
Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka |
| Embed from Getty Images |
Iga Swiatek in 2024
At the moment ranked no.2, Swiatek played her last match on the 4th of September when she was overcome by world no.6 Jessica Pegula 6-2 6-4 in the quarter of the U.S. Open (draw).
Until now, during this year the Pole owns a 59-8 match record. Swiatek has won 6 titles in 2024 in Australia, Doha, Indian Wells, Madrid, Rome and French Open.
Iga Swiatek will face the world no.13 Barbora Krejcikova in the Round Robin on Sunday at 6:00 pm on CENTER COURT. Their head to head is 2-2.
The Pole conquered 6 titles in 2024 in Australia, Doha, Indian Wells, Madrid, Rome and French Open.
The Pole won 23 titles in her career: 13 on hard courts and 10 on clay courts. (See the list of her titles)
Aryna Sabalenka in 2024
Now ranked no.1, the Belarussian played her last match on the 2nd of November when she defeated world no.7 Qinwen Zheng 6-3 6-4 in the round robin in Riyadh (draw).
Until now, during this year Sabalenka achieved a compiled 55-12 win-loss record. Sabalenka clinched 4 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Wuhan. The Belarussian got to the final in Brisbane, Madrid and Rome.
Aryna Sabalenka will face the world no.450 Petra Kvitova in the final on Saturday at 6:00 pm on CENTRE COURT. Their current head to head is 3-2 for Kvitova.
The Belarussian conquered 4 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Wuhan. Sabalenka was the finalist in Brisbane (Brisbane International), in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) and in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia).
Aryna won 17 titles in her career: 13 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka clashed against each other 12 times. Their head to head is 8-4 for Swiatek. The last time they played, Aryna Sabalenka won 6-3 6-3 in the semifinal in Cincinnati (Western & Southern Open) on the 18th of August 2024.
Here are the highlights.
Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka |
| Embed from Getty Images |