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

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. I'm not really thinking about that. It sounds crazy and it sounds good to be really strong.” Sabalenka currently has a 29-4 record this season and has four more wins than any other player on the WTA Tour.

Why this month could be key for Murray's hopes of Wimbledon seeding Alcaraz overcomes 'hard times and pain' to win Laureus award Konta: Raducanu won't take 'extra time out', can still do 'brilliant things' Her rivalry with Swiatek has is attracting plenty of attention and says the battle between the pair can only be a positive for the game. Sabalenka said: “I think women’s tennis need this kind of consistency to see world No. 1 and world No.

2 facing in the finals. “I think it’s more enjoyable for fans to watch and it’s more intense. I’m not saying that it’s not intense with the rest of the players anyway.