Aryna Sabalenka seeks ‘revenge’ over Iga Swiatek in Madrid Open Final
Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek will face off in the Madrid Open final later today, with the Belarusian wanting to avenge a recent defeat to the No.1.
Sabalenka, who is the WTA No.2, wants revenge over Swiatek after she was beaten in the Stuttgart Open final by the Pole for a second year running.
The Belarusian has already won the Madrid Open crown back in 2021, and has the chance for a second title in the Spanish capital after beating Greece’s Maria Sakkari in straight sets.
Speaking after her semi-final victory Sabalenka said, ”I want to play Swiatek, it’s always great battles with her, tough matches and I like to be in a battle. And I want to get this revenge.”
Her final opponent, Iga Swiatek, easily advanced through her semi-final beating Russian Veronika Kudermetova, 6-1 6-1.
Swiatek has never won the Madrid Open before, but has an incredible record on clay having won 46 of her last 49 matches on the surface.
“I’m pumped up for more, I think it’s going to be a nice final. Playing against Aryna is always pretty tough,” said the two-time Roland Garros champion. “You have to be intensive and keep your focus. I’m sure I’m going to be ready for the final.”
World No. 1⃣ 🆚 World No. 2⃣@iga_swiatek and @SabalenkaA will clash in a MASSIVE #MMOPEN final on Saturday! 🍿🍿🍿
Who'll bring home the 🏆? pic.twitter.com/62867lzei6
— #MMOPEN (@MutuaMadridOpen) May 4, 2023
After what has been a predominantly unpredictable number of years for women’s tennis, there seems to be a budding rivalry forming between the two most in-form players on the WTA tour.
In-fact this is the first time the WTA No.1 and No.2 have competed against each other in a final of this calibre since Serena Williams beat Li Na in the 2014 Miami Open final.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Iga Swiatek head-to-head
The pair have met seven times so far with Swiatek winning on five occasions. The Pole has also come out on top in all three of their previous clay court battles.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Iga Swiatek: 2-5
Last meeting (April 2023) – Swiatek beat Sabalenka, 6-3 6-4 (Stuttgart Open Final)
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