Women’s tennis world no.1 Aryna Sabalenka was spotted practicing with her opponent Iga Swiatek.
Belarusian tennis player went on to explain how her relationship with Swiatek looks like and how much they value each other.
The pair have been tested each other’s strength on many occasions during the past two years at the major tournament.
Furthermore, each has held the year-end World No.1 ranking in the past, with Sabalenka finally supplanting Swiatek at the end of the 2024 season.
Last year was the tough one for Swiatek as she received one month ban from tennis after being tested positive banned substance.
Swiatek who served her punishment has already returned back to tennis courts and already competing at the WTA Tour.
After returning from the suspension, the former world no.1 Swiatek receives critics from fans about her treatment from the association.
Sabalenka stayed supportive towards her opponent and refused to make any negative comments towards her rival.
Sabalenka said “I feel like when you first start getting to that top-five level, you are always trying to stay away from everybody.
“It’s not like I was against her, or rude to her. I think everyone just focuses on themselves. But when you get to a certain point, you can take it easier, and not become best friends, but at least we can practice together.
“It’s going to help each other, to improve each other, to push each other to the next level. It’s really cool to practice with someone you have a rivalry with.
“I thought we have to stay together and have fun and just enjoy our rivalry, not be too tough on each other. Since that, we already practiced a couple of times.
“Then I was doing fitness after our hit. She was like, ‘I can join you guys.’ We filmed it and post it. It’s been becoming more chill between us, too.
“I have to say she’s really nice person. It was fun getting to know each other.”
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
