As tennis fans eagerly await the conclusion of the Australian Open, Iga Swiatek has showered her top rival Aryna Sabalenka with high praise, labeling the Belarusian a “complete player” with no evident weaknesses.
Speaking to the tournament’s official website, Swiatek delved into what makes Sabalenka such a formidable opponent and why she has cemented herself as one of the sport’s elite players.
Swiatek: Sabalenka has no weaknesses
Sabalenka’s journey from serving struggles and self-doubt in 2022 to becoming a three-time Grand Slam champion and two-time world No. 1 has been nothing short of remarkable. Reflecting on her rival’s evolution, Swiatek highlighted Sabalenka’s technical versatility and mental strength.
“I feel like she has a complete kind of technique, like pretty smooth. She’s just solid from every position on the court, even like volleys and stuff that we don’t use that often in singles,” Swiatek said.
“She has variety, and she can play flat, she can play topspin. Basically, I would say that Aryna is, like, kind of a complete player.”
Sabalenka’s ability to dominate from any position and adapt her game has been crucial to her recent success, particularly in Grand Slam settings. Her potential three-peat at Melbourne Park would solidify her legacy as one of the modern greats.
Semifinal clashes could set up a dream final
Both Swiatek and Sabalenka are on a collision course to meet in the Australian Open final, but standing in their way are two in-form challengers.
Sabalenka will first face Paula Badosa, who has been playing the best tennis of her career in recent months. Badosa’s confidence and aggressive baseline play could pose a serious threat to Sabalenka’s pursuit of another Grand Slam title.
Swiatek, on the other hand, is set to battle Madison Keys, who enters the semifinal with a blistering 10-match winning streak. Keys’ power game and newfound consistency make her a dangerous opponent for the Polish star.
A potential historic showdown
Should Swiatek and Sabalenka advance, Sunday’s final will mark their first Grand Slam final meeting. This matchup has all the ingredients to be a classic, with both players at the peak of their games. Swiatek’s finesse and variety would clash with Sabalenka’s power and aggression, offering fans a tantalizing duel between the top two seeds.
Swiatek, who has proven her dominance on slower courts, would need to rely on her defensive prowess and counter-punching abilities to neutralize Sabalenka’s power. Meanwhile, Sabalenka’s mental and physical growth will be tested against Swiatek’s strategic acumen.