Aryna Sabalenka dismisses Serena Williams comparisons before Italian Open, talks 'intense' Iga Swiatek rivalry

10.05.2023 - 11:49 eurosport.com

Aryna Sabalenka has dismissed comparisons between herself and Serena Williams heading into the Rome Masters. The 25-year-old has made a blistering start to 2023 after winning the Madrid Open with a superb 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory over World No.1 Iga Swiatek in the final, avenging her defeat to the same opponent in the Stuttgart Open in April.

Ad It had led to some comparing the powerful Belarusian with the 23-time Grand Slam winner, but Sabalenka refused to be drawn on those suggestions.

WTA MadridSabalenka defeats Swiatek with huge performance in Madrid Open final06/05/2023 AT 19:31 «I don't know. I don't think about that.

That sounds good, you know? I don't know. I'm not thinking about that. I'm not focusing on that,» said Sabalenka in quotes published by Sportskeeda. «I'm just focusing on improving myself and getting better every day. »Yeah, that's it.

tennis rivalry Iga Swiatek Serena Williams Italy Belarus Madrid Rome

Aryna Sabalenka will be a tough proposition for anyone at the French Open if the current warm conditions continue, reckons Barbara Rittner. World No. 2 Sabalenka spent just one hour and 11 minutes on court as she saw off Marta Kostyuk, and appeared to be in fine fettle despite her recent first-round loss at the Italian Open in the lead-up to Roland-Garros.

Iga Swiatek injury ‘a worry’ with Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka ready to pounce at French Open – Mats Wilander

Eurosport expert Mats Wilander believes fitness will be a key factor behind Iga Swiatek’s attempted French Open defence and could pave the way for “dangerous” duo Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka to win the singles title at Roland-Garros. Swiatek revealed last week she would take a couple of days off before preparing for the French Open, having been forced to retire in Rome due to injury. Ad The world No.

Swiatek faces French Open test as new 'Big Three' rivalry emerges

The next instalment of a burgeoning three-way rivalry between world number one Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina will play out at the French Open with the world number one spot up for grabs.

Novak Djokovic Eyes History At French Open As Iga Swiatek Launches Title Defence

Novak Djokovic will bid for a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title at a French Open without his old rival Rafael Nadal for the first time since 2004, while Iga Swiatek attempts to become the first woman to defend the title in 16 years. Serbian veteran Djokovic will not be the favourite for the title, though, after struggling with an elbow injury and failing to get past the quarter-finals in any of his three clay-court events so far this season. Carlos Alcaraz won the Barcelona and Madrid Opens en route to taking over from Djokovic as world number one, while Daniil Medvedev is seeded second for Roland Garros after his maiden clay triumph in Rome.

French Open women's draw 2023: Iga Swiatek title defence starts against Cristina Bucsa, Elena Rybakina lies in wait

Iga Swiatek’s French Open title defence will begin against Cristina Bucsa, while there could be a repeat of last year’s final against Coco Gauff in the last eight. The women’s singles draw was made on Thursday ahead of the main draw action starting on Sunday, live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and eurosport.com. Ad Swiatek, who stormed to the title last year at Roland Garros, will be up against Spanish world No.

Aryna Sabalenka a 'totally different player' and 'mentally tough' ahead of French Open, says John McEnroe

John McEnroe believes Aryna Sabalenka is a “totally different player” after shoring up her serve and looks a «much more confident» player. Sabalenka's serve has previously let her down in some key moments, and in 2022 she hit 440 double faults, 151 more than any other player. Ad But she looked to have new-found confidence at the Australian Open earlier this year as she was crowned champion.