“I would say her movement is really good,” Aryna Sabalenka reveals the reason behind her loss to Iga Swiatek in Rome Open Finals

Aryna Sabalenka was full of praise for Iga Swiatek after the Rome final.

“I would say her movement is really good,” Aryna Sabalenka reveals the reason behind her loss to Iga Swiatek in Rome Open Finals

Aryna Sabalenka poses for a photo after the women's singles final match between her and Iga Swiatek of Poland at the WTA, Tennis Damen Italian Open in Rome (Via Imago)

World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka lavished praise on her rival, World No.1 Iga Swiatek, following the Italian Open final. Despite losing consecutive finals to the Polish icon in Madrid and Rome, the Belarusian tennis player remains optimistic about the future.

Sabalenka has now faced Swiatek in eleven matches, losing eight of them, including the two finals this year. Her last victory over the World No.1 was in Madrid last year, where she claimed a 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 win in the final.

Well, I think her movement is incredible. You always know that you have to build the point and you have to finish the point. It's not going to be an easy point anyway. You have to be really there 100%. I think that stay at the back of my mind, and that's why sometimes I try to overhit balls, knowing she's going to get it. I think that's something I'm going to work next week, try not to over-rush stuff, trust myself, my game, that I'm able able to stay in the point as long as needed. But yeah, I would say her movement is really, really good.
Aryna Sabalenka said post Rome finals

Sabalenka credited Swiatek’s exceptional movement as the key factor behind her dominance. Given that clay demands superior movement compared to other surfaces, World No.2 believes that the Polish star’s impressive reach forces her opponents to hit more shots.

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Obviously she's playing really smart. You can see that during the game. She's No.1 I would say she's really good in every aspect of the game.
Aryna Sabalenka added

Aryna Sabalenka’s 2024 final curse goes on

In reviewing Aryna Sabalenka‘s overall performance in the 2024 season, one would undoubtedly be impressed by her tennis prowess. However, if one were to inquire directly with her, she would likely express agreement but also convey a sense of devastation, as she has nothing tangible to show for her efforts, except for her Australian Open title defense.

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka in action (Via Imago)

The Belarusian tennis player has now suffered consecutive losses in finals this year. At the start of the year, she was defeated in the Brisbane by Elena Rybakina.

After encountering a few early setbacks, she regained her form and advanced to the finals of both Madrid and Rome. Nevertheless, she experienced consecutive losses in the finals on the red clay against World No.1 Iga Swiatek.

The lingering question is when Sabalenka’s final curse will finally come to an end. Despite the disappointment, the World No.2 expressed optimism during the post-match press conference, indicating her hopes to return to the winner’s circle soon. With Roland Garros looming on the horizon, there couldn’t be a more opportune moment for her to break her streak of losses in the finals.

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