A year ago in Madrid, Sabalenka emerged victorious over the Polish tennis sensation. Now, Świątek has a golden opportunity to exact revenge in what promises to be an exhilarating final, scheduled to commence today at 6:30 PM (UTC/GMT +2).
The duo’s nine previous battles, always characterized by fierce rivalry and high stakes, have made their encounters become a classic fixture in women's tennis. Only American Coco Gauff has faced Świątek more times on the tour.
Since the unexpected retirement of Australian star Ashleigh Barty in 2022, Świątek and Sabalenka have reigned supreme at the summit of the WTA rankings. The Pole's reign at the top, spanning 101 weeks, dwarfs Sabalenka's eight-week tenure.
Their clash in the semifinals of the US Open in 2022 saw Świątek emerge victorious, signaling her prowess on the grand stage. Additionally, Świątek clinched victory over Sabalenka twice in the finals of the prestigious Stuttgart tournament (2022, 2023), underscoring her dominance in key matchups.
However, Sabalenka exacted her revenge by claiming victory in last year's Madrid final, with their battles extending to the WTA Finals and other pivotal tournaments.
On the road to the final, Świątek has showcased her prowess, flying past her rivals, particularly in the quarterfinals against Beatriz Haddad Mai. In contrast, Sabalenka's journey to the final has been marked by resilience, overcoming obstacles in each match, including a hard-fought semifinal against Jelena Rybakina.
As the final approaches, Świątek's stellar track record in championship matches positions her as the favorite, boasting an impressive 19 victories out of 23 WTA tournament finals. However, Sabalenka's triumph at the Australian Open earlier this year underscores her ability to deliver on the grandest stages, however with a slightly inferior record in final showdowns.
(jh)
Source: PAP, IAR, RMF24