World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has long been one of the most dominant forces in women’s tennis, known for her explosive power and relentless aggression on the court. In a recent rapid-fire interview with TNT Sports, the Belarusian star was asked to name the best player she has ever faced. Her response highlighted two iconic names: Serena Williams and Iga Swiatek.
Sabalenka’s only encounter with Serena Williams came in the fourth round of the 2021 Australian Open, where the American legend edged out a three-set victory, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. Reflecting on that match years later, Sabalenka acknowledged the unique challenge it presented, noting that she had played Williams just once. When pressed on the best opponent overall, she replied thoughtfully: “Wow, okay, the best? I mean, I played Serena once, so Serena and Iga probably.”
By placing Swiatek alongside Williams, Sabalenka paid a significant compliment to the Polish star, effectively naming her the toughest player she has faced outside of the 23-time Grand Slam champion. The two have developed one of the most compelling rivalries in modern women’s tennis, meeting 13 times at tour level. Swiatek holds a slight edge in their head-to-head record at 8-5, though Sabalenka has claimed notable victories, including a semifinal win at the 2025 French Open—their only matchup that year.
Their battles have produced some of the most memorable matches on the WTA Tour. Sabalenka has described high-stakes encounters with Swiatek, such as the 2024 Madrid Open final (which she lost in three sets), as among her career highlights. The contrast in styles—Sabalenka’s raw power against Swiatek’s exceptional movement, consistency, and tactical brilliance—has elevated both players, pushing them to new heights.
This praise from Sabalenka underscores Swiatek’s status as a generational talent. At just 24, the former World No. 1 has already won five Grand Slam titles and dominated stretches of the tour with her all-court mastery. For Sabalenka, who idolized Williams growing up and has now established herself as the top-ranked player, equating Swiatek with such a legend speaks volumes about the respect within their rivalry.
As women’s tennis continues to thrive in the post-Williams era, matchups like Sabalenka versus Swiatek represent the sport’s bright future—fierce, high-quality, and full of mutual admiration. Sabalenka’s comments serve as a reminder that even at the pinnacle of the game, the greatest players recognize the extraordinary challenges posed by their peers
