Iga Swiatek says what she thinks her relationship with Aryna Sabalenka is now like ahead of French Open semi-final

Iga Swiatek is on a mission to win a fourth successive French Open title at Roland Garros this weekend.

Her form at the tournament so far has been largely sensational, and next she will come up against the world number one, Aryna Sabalenka.

The pair have a relatively healthy rivalry but have only met once at a Grand Slam, with Swiatek winning in three sets at the 2022 US Open.

Ahead of the semi-final clash, Swiatek has been discussing her opponent and what her relationship is like with the Belarusian performer.

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Iga Swiatek shares what her relationship with Aryna Sabalenka is like

The pair are both multiple Grand Slam champions, with Swiatek leading the way with five big titles to her name.

Sabalenka has won three, with both players now looking to add to their collection of Grand Slams at the French Open this time around.

During the WTA Tour Finals last year, Swiatek and Sabalenka were spotted looking very friendly during a string of TikTok posts.

However, Sabalenka has claimed her relationship with Swiatek has changed and now the Polish player has had her say on how she feels about her forthcoming opponent.

She said in her press conference: “I have a lot of respect for her. TikTok was actually nice, but it’s not like I didn’t like Aryna before.

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“She is more of a player who is more expressive in her emotions or feelings. So it was kind of up to her what the atmosphere was like between us!

“I’m rather stable and I have my own basic things that I believe in, and that’s it.

“So I think TikTok was definitely great, and I also think it showed both my fans and Aryna’s fans that we can get along and also have fans in general.

“In general, I think that everything that happens at the WTA Finals at the end of the season is always so cool because the players know they played a great season, and we try to properly appreciate all of us. We know that we deserved to be there, so the atmosphere is a little more relaxed.

“And yes, Aryna, I think she also sorted out some things off the court, and I think our relationship is very nice and full of respect.

Swiatek can make history with French Open win

She may have won four of the last five French Open events, but the 24-year-old stands on the cusp of history being made.

No female in the open era has ever won four French Open crowns in succession, and that’s the goal that Swiatek is striving for at this year’s tournament.

Intriguingly. Swiatek came into Roland Garros scratching around for consistency, but in large parts, she’s blown her competitors out of the water with her performances so far.

Sabalenka will almost certainly provide a sterner test on Thursday, however, and facing the world number one at a tournament she will also be desperate to win will be tough.

Swiatek can’t be ruled out at the French Open, however, and with her rivalry over Sabalenka now also coming into the spotlight, this match promises to be a cracker.

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