ARYNA SABALENKA WEIGHS IN ON BEING PART OF A ‘BIG 3’ WITH IGA SWIATEK AND ELENA RYBAKINA
Aryna Sabalenka has discussed being considered part of a WTA ‘Big Three’ along with her rivals Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina ahead of the 2024 Madrid Open final.
The Belarusian star revealed she likes the Big Three label and feels she, Swiatek and Rybakina are “motivating each other” and that the competition makes them improve.
Swiatek, Sabalenka and Rybakina are ranked first, second and fourth respectively in the WTA Rankings, with 2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff in third position.
The aforementioned trio have been the outstanding players so far in 2024, though, and have established themselves as the top three in the Race to the WTA Finals. Swiatek leads the Race with 3,985 points, while Rybakina is second on 3,583 points, ahead of Sabalenka on 3,278 points.
Sabalenka set up a Madrid Open final showdown with Swiatek for the second straight season after defeating Rybakina 1-6, 7-5, 7-6(5) in a thrilling semi-final. The 25-year-old is looking to defend the title she claimed with a three-set victory over Swiatek 12 months ago.
READ MORE: Iga Swiatek makes honest confession before Aryna Sabalenka Madrid Open showdown
Speaking in her press conference after beating Rybakina in the last four, Sabalenka addressed suggestions that there is now a Big Three in women’s tennis.
“I like that they call us the Big 3, I feel that in some way we are motivating each other,” Sabalenka said. “Sometimes we give ourselves a very bad time, but at the same time that helps us improve and continue working harder and harder, looking for new things.
“Now I’ve just been away for a few tournaments, so we’ll see how everything evolves, this has only been one specific tournament. I hope the season continues along this path and we become the Big 3 again.”
The two-time Australian Open champion also looked ahead to her meeting with world No 1 Swiatek on Saturday.
“It’s going to be a great final, with Iga we had great matches in the past, they were always very difficult battles. I’m super excited for this final, so I’ll do everything I can to get this victory,” the world No 2 declared.
“We are both improving, we are changing some settings throughout the year, so I am going to watch their games to see if I have to modify my strategy. I insist, the main strategy will once again be to focus on myself and stay aggressive, trusting my shots.
“I definitely think that match (the 2023 Madrid Open final) was the best match I played all year, especially on clay courts. I think the level we reached was super high.
“I felt very polished with my tennis, we played a very intense and powerful game, I think it was the best final I have played in my entire career.”
READ MORE: Iga Swiatek v Aryna Sabalenka: Their 9 previous matches ahead of Madrid showdown