"A champion like Iga needs a worthy rival": Childhood coach of Aryna Sabalenka says both her and Swiatek benefit from budding rivalry

Tennis coach Maciej Domka believes that having an opponent of the quality of Poland’s Iga Swiatek will help the current world number two Aryna Sabalenka in improving her play.

The two have been described as the best players currently played in the women’s tennis in the singles category.

Domka, who worked with Sabalenka in the recent past, was recently quoted in a report where he stated that having a tough opponent will help the Belarusian tennis star in improving her play.

"Definitely. This competition is developing to the satisfaction of all fans and the entire tour,” he said. “A champion like Iga needs a worthy rival. Someone has to raise the bar.

"The competition between them has a positive impact on the development of each tennis player individually. Champions need incentives to develop. In this case, Aryna and Iga benefit from the fight we see between them on the court and in the rankings."

Swiatek had a tough beginning to her 2024 season as she lost in the third round of the Australian Open to the Czech Republic’s Linda Noskova with a score of 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

On the other hand, Sabalenka had a great start to her 2024 season as she lifted the first Grand Slam of the year after defeating China’s Qinwen Zheng in the final with a score of 6-3, 6-2.