“She definitely motivates me,” Aryna Sabalenka hails Iga Swiatek for improving her game despite their rivalry

Iga Swiatek will be hoping to become the first woman to win Madrid, Rome and French Open since Serena Williams in 2013.

“She definitely motivates me,” Aryna Sabalenka hails Iga Swiatek for improving her game despite their rivalry

Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek (Via Imago)

Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek have taken women’s tennis to another level due to their rivalry, which has also been a key to their individual success over the last few years. However, Sabalenka has admitted that Swiatek isn’t only a rival but also someone who has helped improve her game.

The duo have dominated the Top 2 of the WTA rankings in the past seven months, with Swiatek in No.1 since November. That has never diminished their competitiveness this season. The duo have won five titles, with Swiatek four and Sabalenka one. They have also met eleven times on the court with Swiatek leading 8-3 in their head-to-head.

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They last played each other at the Italian Open final, with Iga Swiatek winning the match in a straight set. But, the Madrid Open final was the epitome of their rivalry. The match lasted for about 3 hours and fifteen minutes with both giving it their all. Despite, Aryna Sabalenka saving two match points she lost the match in the end.

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Meanwhile, despite losing two finals to Swiatek, the 26-year-old admits the rivalry has motivated her and helped improve on her game.

I think that's amazing the rivalry we are having with Iga, and I would mention Elena (Rybakina) as well, and there are so many girls doing so well, like Coco (Gauff). It's not only like two of us. She definitely motivates me a lot to get better and I think I improve so many things just because of her. She kind of like pointed out the things I wasn't good at and motivates me to get better at.
Aryna Sabalenka told the reporters

Meanwhile, Sabalenka has been drawn to face Erika Andreeva in the first round of the Roland Garros. On the other hand, Swiatek will play French Leolia Jeanjean on Monday for her opening match.

Iga Swiatek admits Aryna Sabalenka pushes her to become a better player

Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka are likely to face each other at the Roland Garros after meeting in Madrid and Rome. The duo have drawn in different quarters for the French Open and may likely make it to the third final in just two months.

Swiatek reacted to the possibility saying that Sabalenka pushes her to become a better player each time they meet.

For sure when we play against each other, I feel like it’s a challenge. I think it’s also pushing me to become better and better player, so I think we both kind of need each other to grow.
Iga Swiatek told the reporters
Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka
Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka (Via Imago)

However, Swiatek will be hoping to claim her fourth French Open and also become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2013 to win the clay treble – Madrid, Rome, and French Open.

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