Aryna Sabalenka hopes to reignite rivalry with Iga Swiatek in 2025 after Brisbane International title win

Aryna Sabalenka, in red-hot form will be looking to get the better of rival Iga Swiatek in the 2025 WTA season.

Aryna Sabalenka hopes to reignite rivalry with Iga Swiatek in 2025 after Brisbane International title win

Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek (via Free Betting Tips)

Aryna Sabalenka has started off the 2025 season strong, securing the Brisbane International title by defeating Russian qualifier Polina Kudermetova. This victory marks Sabalenka’s 18th career singles title. Kudermetova gave tough competiton to Sabalenka, giving fair warning to the world number 1 that she will have to improve her game if she is to win a third Australian Open title later this month.

At the post-match interview, Aryna Sabalenka was asked how important it is for her to prove that she’s the dominant player of this generation between her and Iga Swiatek. Swiatek, who ended the 2024 season ranked World No. 2, had a phenomenal year. She secured five titles, including her fourth French Open victory, and four WTA 1000 titles in Doha, Indian Wells, Madrid, and Rome. Additionally, she won the bronze medal in singles at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first Polish tennis player to win an Olympic medal.

YouTube video

Well, I love the way we push each other. It’s not like I’m thinking about her (Iga Swiatek), about her amount of Grand Slams. I’m more focusing on myself, just trying to push myself to the limit and see how far I can get in this sport. At the end of my career, I want to look back and be proud of myself.

Aryna Sabalenka via Brisbane Press

The rivalry between Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka has become a defining narrative in women’s tennis. As of January 2025, their head-to-head record stands at 8-4 in favor of Swiatek. Beyond their on-court rivalry, 2024 saw a shift in their off-court relationship. The two began practicing together and even collaborated for social media content, leading Sabalenka to describe their equation as “more chill”, emphasizing the importance of enjoying their competitive relationship.

FS Video

Iga Swiatek recently participated at the United Cup, taking Poland to the finals for the second time. She secured key victories against top-tier opponents, including a notable win over Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina in the semifinals. In the championship match against Team USA, Poland and Swiatek faced defeat from World No. 3 Coco Gauff.

Brisbane International and Aryna Sabalenka’s 2024 season

Aryna Sabalenka’s career trajectory has been one of steady growth and determination. Since breaking into the top tier of women’s tennis, Sabalenka has evolved from a promising talent to a dominant force.

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka (image via Instagram)

The 2024 season was a landmark year for Aryna Sabalenka, as she reached new heights in her career. She secured six titles, including the US Open, and ascended to the World No. 1 rank for the first time. The Belarusian’s consistency across surfaces was a standout feature of her season, with deep runs in almost every tournament she entered.

Despite facing challenges, such as her defeat to Iga Swiatek in the Madrid Open final, Aryna Sabalenka’s resilience and ability to learn from setbacks defined her year. Her victory at the Brisbane International further underscores her readiness for this season.