Iga Swiatek banking on her experience from last year to overpower Aryna Sabalenka at the WTA Finals 2023 with the World No. 1 ranking on the line

This will be Iga Swiatek's third meeting with Aryna Sabalenka at the WTA Finals.

Iga Swiatek banking on her experience from last year to overpower Aryna Sabalenka at the WTA Finals 2023 with the World No. 1 ranking on the line

Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek (Tennis.com, Onet)

Reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek has made it to the semifinals of the 2023 WTA Finals, defeating all three of her opponents in the group stage. Swiatek registered emphatic wins in all three of her matches, defeating her opponents in straight sets. But the bigger challenge awaits her in the semifinals where she will be facing Aryna Sabalenka. 

The current World No.2 knows the importance of the game and thus is prepared in both aspects, physical and mental. Swiatek knows how tough it can be to play against Sabalenka. Nevertheless, she is banking on her experience to have played Sabalenka at the season-ending championships. Also, the two players have played against each other enough to know their opponent’s game plan.

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While Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka have played eight matches against each other in total, the two players have met twice at the WTA Finals. On both occasions, Sabaleka got the best out of Swiatek. However, the Pole has the momentum on her side this time around. Also, Swiatek seems confident about her chances against the Belarusian.

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I’ll see what the conditions are gonna be like. Against Aryna, it’s never easy. I’m just gonna do my best & focus on myself & what I wanna do on court. We usually have these matches that are exciting & really tough, both mentally & physically. I’m just gonna be ready & see what the wind is gonna look like & what’s gonna happen on court… This time I will use my experience of being in the WTA Finals.
Iga Swiatek said about her matchup with Aryna Sabalenka

Iga Swiatek explains how WTA Finals is different this year

Iga Swiatek also chalked out the difference between the current edition of the WTA Finals as compared to the previous editions. The Pole claimed that this year it seems more challenging and her higher ambitions might be the reason behind this perspective. Swiatek said that while she was happy with a semifinal qualification last year, reaching the semis feels like the start of the tournament this time around.

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Iga Swiatek (Image via China Open X)
Last year when I got out of my group, it felt like I was almost at the end of the tournament & I felt really proud of myself that I just got out of the group. This year it feels like now it’s kind of starting. So it’s a bit different & I for sure learned my lesson. The conditions here are so tough that usually you just have to focus on that.
Iga Swiatek said ahead of her semifinal clash against Aryna Sabalenka.

The World No.2 also highlighted the fact that being too familiar with each other’s game is also a challenge for both her and Aryna Sabalenka. Swiatek said that she would have to figure out something different this time.

Notably, the two players have done remarkably well throughout the year, and winning the WTA Finals will be a befitting end to the season for any of the two players.

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