The WTA fans are currently preparing themselves for another round of intense action. After a long time of missing the “queen of clay” Iga Swiatek, it is time that the dominant force finds her way back to the courts. While updates have already started to emerge from Riyadh where the Pole is currently training, anticipation levels are touching the skies. However, despite the new coach, doubts are still lingering around the world no.2. Amid discussions of her current form, a renowned journalist made some bold predictions.

Aryna Sabalenka is in prime spot. Esteemed journalist Marek Furjan recently shared his thoughts on the heated battle between Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek ahead of the WTA Finals in Riyadh. The Pole gave a clear assessment of the situation, saying, “Sabalenka has a better chance of being number one at the end of the season.”

Continuing his verdict in support of the Belarusian, he added, “Iga has the responsibility of winning the entire tournament, and she is also dependent on Sabalenka’s result. She has a difficult task ahead of her,” in an interview with WP SportoweFakty. He also pointed out Sabalenka’s strong form, noting her recent victories at the US Open and Wuhan, which make her the favorite to grab the title in Riyadh this time. Furjan added that Swiatek’s performance in Riyadh “will be a mystery,” suggesting that uncertainty surrounds the defending champion’s form.

Currently ranked No.2, Swiatek is preparing for her first competition since her US Open quarterfinal loss to Jessica Pegula on September 4. A lot has changed since including her coach. A couple of weeks back,  she announced the hiring of coach Wim Fissette on October 14. Fissette, who has previously coached top players like Victoria Azarenka and Naomi Osaka, joined Swiatek for her first training session in Riyadh, alongside her trusted team members, sports psychologist Daria Abramowicz and hitting partner Tomek Moczek.

Swiatek has been working hard and she has also updated fans about her rigorous training. She shared a hopeful message to her physiotherapist Maciej Ryszczuk, saying, “We’re waiting for you,” as her team continues to prepare for the tough challenge ahead. But will Aryna Sabalenka prove to be too much for the former world no. 1.

Tensions arise for Iga Swiatek as Sabalenka drops a confident verdict

Aryna Sabalenka has been in excellent form lately amid her rise to the top of the WTA rankings. The Belarusian has a strong chance of  finishing the year as the top-ranked player. Sabalenka, however, is not letting the pressure of rankings distract her from her game. She remains focused on her performance and her goals.

“Of course, this is something I really want to do, it is one of my goals,” Sabalenka shared. “But I learned in the past that if you focus on the rankings and defending points and all that kind of pressure, things can easily go wrong.”

Instead of letting the pressure consume her, Sabalenka has shifted her mindset to focusing on what she can control—her effort on the court. “I prefer to focus on myself, and when I’m on court I just try to bring my best tennis and fight for every point,” she added. This grounded approach will be crucial as she prepares to face stiff competition in the WTA Finals. With Elena Rybakina, Jasmine Paolini, and Zheng Qinwen in her group, Sabalenka will need to stay sharp to secure the title in Riyadh and cement her year-end no.1 ranking. The stage is set for the Tiger as she looks to finish the season on a high note.