The 2-time singles Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka recently unleashed her inner “mongrel”. And bounced back after dropping the first set of her thrilling round-of-16 match at the Italian Open. In doing so, the Belarusian tennis star has now also managed to pull off a remarkable record that is also held by the tennis legend Roger Federer.

Despite facing some issues with her back, Sabalenka decided to continue her match against Elina Svitolina, as she made a brilliant comeback to win with a score of 4-6, 6-1, 7-6. Not only did the current world number 2 player not retire, but she went on to play 434 tour matches without ever having to withdraw. It is a rare record that is also held by the Swiss maestro, Roger Federer, who has never retired mid-match during his competitive journey as he played more than 1500 matches.

Notably, the renowned sports journalist and author Christopher Clarey couldn’t hold himself back from drawing parallels between Sabalenka and Federer. He tweeted, “Sabalenka still getting back treatment on changeovers in 3d set vs Svitolina. But Tennis Channel reporting that in 434 WTA Tour matches (qualifying and main draw), Sabalenka has never retired. Federesque”

Svitolina, seeded 16th, capitalized on a shaky start by Sabalenka, winning the first set after a hard-fought 43 minutes. The 2017 and 2018 champion here, Svitolina dominated with an impressive 82% win rate on her first serve early on. However, Sabalenka wasn’t ready to go down without a fight. She cleaned up her game in the second set, firing winners left and right (14 to Svitolina’s 3) and taking control of her serve. Svitolina struggled to keep up, winning only a third of her points behind her first serve.

Apart from this, there is another similarity between Sabalenka and Federer, as they both have been formidable forces on their respective tours. Just like Federer, the Belarusian player has been a part of the ‘Big 3’ on the tour, and here’s what she has to say about being a part of this elite category.

“I am happy to be part of this group”– Aryna Sabalenka on being a part of the ‘Big 3’ on the women’s tour

Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Elena Rybakina have been dominant forces on hard, clay, and grass surfaces, respectively. When questioned about the hypothetical ‘Big 3’ on the women’s tour, the Belarusian player issued her honest take as she also shed light on her recent lackluster campaigns. Sabalenka said, “I feel that I have lowered the level a little within that hypothetical ‘Big Three’, this last month seems more like a Big Two (laughs).”

Even though she feels that she has ‘lowered the level,’ the 2-time Grand Slam champion opened up about how she is s happy to be a part of this elite category. She added, “However, I am happy to be part of this group. I hope to maintain my level and that they keep playing this way.”

Sabalenka will now face No.10 Jelena Ostapenko for a spot in the semifinals on Wednesday. What do you think of the Belarusian tennis star pulling off a rare Roger Federer-like feat as she makes a brilliant comeback at the Italian Open? Let us know in the comments section.