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Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka surprised fans with a joint practice session during the World Tennis League exhibition in Abu Dhabi. Both players were competing at the tournament, with Swiatek representing the Eagles and Sabalenka playing for the Hawks.
On Monday, December 23, Sabalenka shared an Instagram video from her practice session with Iga Swiatek.
The caption read:
“Keeping each other on our toes 😉”
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The Polish player won both of her singles matches, defeating Jasmine Paolini and Elena Rybakina. Meanwhile, the Belarusian triumphed over Elena Rybakina and Paula Badosa. Her team, the Hawks, made it to the final but ultimately lost to the Falcons.
Aryna Sabalenka reacts to Iga Swiatek's doping controversy
Aryna Sabalenka recently shared her thoughts on Iga Swiatek's doping controversy following the news that the Pole had received a one-month ban after testing positive for a banned substance on November 28.
Swiatek had tested positive for trimetazidine (TMZ). The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) imposed a one-month ban after determining that the player's level of fault was minimal, falling at the lowest end of the range for "No Significant Fault or Negligence" and concluding that there was no intent involved. It was later revealed that the substance had been found in a contaminated non-prescription melatonin supplement Swiatek had been using to manage her jetlag.
In an interview with The National, when asked about Swiatek's situation, Sabalenka gave a measured response, expressing her belief in “clean sport”.
"People are really used to overreacting before figuring stuff out, so I don’t want to leave any comments. I believe in clean sport and nothing else I can add," Sabalenka said.
Sabalenka surpassed Swiatek and regained the World No.1 ranking in November. When asked about her chances of maintaining the position in the upcoming season, the Belarusian stated that she couldn’t be entirely sure, describing it as a “mental thing” for her.
"You cannot be confident on that. It’s a mental thing.
She further added that she would do her best to maintain her ranking.
“Of course I’d like to stay there as long as possible and I’m working really hard for that, so let’s see how next season is going to be."
Sabalenka won the Australian Open back-to-back in 2023 and 2024. In January 2025, she will aim to clinch the title for a third time.
"It would mean a lot. I think the key is just to focus on yourself and on bringing your best each time you play, whether it’s Australia or any other country, you just have to bring your best every time and hope for the best."
Aryna Sabalenka will kick off her season at the Brisbane International before heading to the Australian Open, while Iga Swiatek will begin hers with the United Cup.
