"It's always high level tennis" - Aryna Sabalenka guns for revenge against Iga Swiatek in Italian Open final after Madrid final thriller
Aryna Sabalenka has voiced her opinion on facing rival Iga Swiatek in the women's singles final of the Italian Open. The pair's last meeting came in the title clash of the Madrid Open on Saturday, May 4. It turned out to be a thriller, as Swiatek saved three match points, winning the encounter 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(7) to clinch her first title in the Spanish capital.
Swiatek had already progressed to the final of the Italian Open by the time Sabalenka took to the court at the Foro Italico for her semifinal clash against Danielle Collins. The Pole made short work of Coco Gauff in the other semifinal (6-4, 6-3), and in the process, reached her third final at the WTA 1000 event in Rome.
Against an in-form Collins, Aryna Sabalenka brought some of her best tennis, proving too hot to handle for American. While the Miami Open champion tried her best to keep pace with the Belarusian in the first set, she was no match for Sabalenka's power in the second. Ultimately, the World No. 2 triumphed 7-5, 6-2.
During her post-match on-court interview, Sabalenka was asked if her rivalry with Swiatek motivated her. In her response, the Belarusian said that her matches against the Pole are always close and that she enjoyed playing against her. She also urged the Foro Italico crowd to support her in the final, where she would get the chance to exact revenge on Swiatek for her Madrid Open final loss.
"Definitely. I really like our tough battles. It’s always close matches. I really enjoy playing against her. It’s always high level tennis. Hopefully we bring our best tennis and you guys enjoy watching us play and hopefully this time I’m gonna get this title with your support guys," Sabalenka said.
Italian Open final would mark 11th WTA Tour-level meeting between Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka have will lock horns for the 11th time when they meet in the Italian Open. For the most part, it's the Pole who has dominated the Belarusian in their head-to-head, having won seven and lost only three matches.
The pair has contested four finals on the WTA Tour. Three of those have gone Swiatek's way. However, in the final of last year's Madrid Open, Sabalenka got the better of the Pole.
The Italian Open final will be the duo's second meeting in Rome, with Swiatek winning their previous match 6-2, 6-1 in the semifinals of the 2022 edition.