WATCH: Iga Swiatek shrieks in surprise after Aryna Sabalenka almost hits on her on the body with powerful smash during Italian Open final

Iga Swiatek let out a huge scream after almost being hit by an Aryna Sabalenka smash during their 2024 Italian Open summit clash. The Pole defeated the Belarusian in straight sets in an hour and 29 minutes to clinch the title.

Swiatek headed into Rome with momentum on her side, having won the Madrid Open. She was the top seed and defeated the likes of Bernarda Pera, Yulia Putintseva, Angelique Kerber, Madison Keys, and Coco Gauff without dropping a single set to reach the finals.

On the other hand, Sabalenka, the second seed, ousted the likes of Katie Voynets, Dayan Yastremska, Elina Svitolina, Jelena Ostapenko, and Danielle Collins to set up a rematch of the Madrid Open final with the Pole.

The Belarusian suffered the same fate in their rematch as Iga Swiatek reclaimed her title in Rome after defeating Sabalenka 6-2, 6-3. The World No.1 won the Italian Open for the third time.

However, during the second set, Sabalenka hit a wide serve which Swiatek managed to return with a forehand and sent the ball in the air. The 26-year-old smashed the high ball powerfully which went in the Pole's direction, who almost got hit by it and let out a huge shriek in surprise. Sabalenka later apologized to Swiatek.

This was also reminiscent of the duo's match in the final of the Stuttgart Open last year where Sabalenka hit a wide serve which was returned by the Pole with a backhand sending the ball up in the air. The Belarusian hit a smash right towards Swiatek, who came running towards the net in the hope of somehow returning the ball.

The 22-year-old managed to avoid being hit by Sabalenka's smash back then as well.

"I hope we’re gonna make it to the final of Roland Garros, and I’m gonna get you" - Aryna Sabalenka jokes with Iga Swiatek

Internazionali BNL D'Italia 2024 - Day Thirteen

Aryna Sabalenka began her runner-up speech by congratulating Iga Swiatek for the tennis she played in Rome and acknowledged her quality to be great.

"This time I’m not gonna forget, I’m gonna start with Iga, congrats on incredible couple of weeks here in Rome. Great stuff; great tennis," Sabalenka said.

She also bantered with the Pole stating how she wanted to be in the final of the French Open with the Pole so that she could get her revenge.

"And I hope we’re gonna make it to the final of Roland Garros, and I’m gonna get you there. Just kidding. I guess I’ll try to do better than today," she added.

Iga Swiatek will be the top seed whereas Aryna Sabalenka will be the second seed at the 2024 French Open.