“Aryna Sabalenka deserves to be World No. 1” – Iga Swiatek gives Belarusian her flowers despite losing top spot due to penalty before WTA Finals
Coming into the 2024 WTA Finals, Iga Swiatek has lost the World No. 1 ranking to Aryna Sabalenka. The Pole, however, is willing to give credit where it’s due. She heaped praise on the Belarusian in her latest media interaction.
Speaking to the media during her pre-tournament press conference, the Pole, who had also hit the practice courts with Sabalenka, said her opponent deserved to be the World No. 1. Swiatek was quick to add that she was ready to fight for the top spot again. Swiatek said,
“Actually, I don’t know, it was just nice to practice with Aryna because we haven’t done that in a while, since probably 2022. It’s been a long time. I’m not really sure why… Yeah, it was a really good practice.
“She’s a great player. She also kind of deserves to be world No. 1. For sure I’m going to fight for me to be in that place.”
Iga Swiatek looked back at her burgeoning rivalry with Sabalenka, noting that they have been competing for the top spot in recent years. She, however, added that the primary focus was to play well and take things one step at a time.
