Italian Open 2024: Aryna Sabalenka Royally Snubbed as Ana Ivanovic Shows Clear Iga Swiatek Bias in Encouraging Message

The stage is set. And two of the best names in women’s tennis, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka will be looking to get head-to-head against each other at the Italian Open. While the two met each other a couple of weeks ago in the Madrid Open, they will be looking to recreate yet another iconic final, this time in Rome. The anticipation around it is building high and some of the best names around the globe are sure to make their appearance in the finals. One among them is Ana Ivanovic.

A legend of the game, Ana certainly knows what it takes to be in the final and the excitement surrounding it. Taking to her social media platform, she suggested that she can’t wait for the highly anticipated match in Rome as both the WTA stars will be meeting each other for the 5th time in a final. Not only this, but she also made her pick for the finals as she suggested that she thinks that Iga Swiatek will win the final considering her hot streak on the clay courts this season.

“And so they meet again – for the 5th time in a final… Can’t wait for the @InteBNLdItalia women’s final in #Rome tomorrow! It will be another intense and close match, but I think @iga_swiatek is on a streak and won’t be stopped from winning after their last meeting in Madrid. #WTA #IBI24,” said Ivanovic in her tweet.

Iga Swiatek continues her dominant run on clay! The world number one crushed Coco Gauff in straight sets (6-4, 6-3) to extend her winning streak to 11 matches and advance to the Madrid Open final. With this victory, Swiatek sets her sights on achieving the “dirt double,” winning both the Madrid and Italian Open titles consecutively. Her next challenge is against second-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in the championship match. This will be a rematch of last year’s final, so expect an intense battle!

However, this is not the first time when she has showcased her support to Iga Swiatek. Back during the Madrid Open final when Iga Swiatek won the event, she went ahead to congratulate her.

Ana Ivanovic congratulated Iga Swiatek following her Madrid Open title triumph

Iga Swiatek emerged victorious in the Madrid Open final! It was a tough battle against Aryna Sabalenka, but Swiatek clinched the title in three sets (7-5, 4-6, 7-6(7)). This victory comes after her defeat to Sabalenka in last year’s final. After securing the win, the World No. 1 received congratulatory messages from all around the world. Out of those, one small message was from the former tennis player as well.

While she congratulated Siwatek for the win, Ivanovic also added that both players played a high level of tennis throughout their tense tie. “Wow. What a final!! Such a high level of tennis throughout the match. Very powerful game for both players. Congrats  @iga_swiatek on an amazing tournament,” said Ivanovic.

Thus, Ana Ivanovic, who has been an Iga Swiatek supporter made sure to express her support yet again ahead of an intriguing finale. What are your thoughts on this? Who are you rooting for in the finale? Please let us know in the comments below!