Iga Swiatek chose Aryna Sabalenka as the opponent she would like to have as a coach, as both remain in competition at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The Pole recently advanced to the quarterfinals after another impressive performance, this time against Dayana Yastremska (7-5, 6-0).
During her press conference, Swiatek was asked which of her rivals she would choose as a coach in the future, considering Novak Djokovic’s current partnership with his former rival Andy Murray.
"Well, (Andrea) Petkovic is not playing anymore, but I've heard she has a good eye. I've always liked her, so I think we'd get on well," responded the world No. 2.
Petkovic, a former world No. 7, retired in 2022, although she never faced Swiatek in an official tournament. After a few seconds, the five-time Grand Slam champion picked one of her biggest rivals as a potential coach.
"Or maybe Aryna Sabalenka. She's older than me, so maybe she'll retire sooner than me. That would be fun."
Swiatek and Sabalenka have a head-to-head record of 8-4 in favour of the Pole (4-1 in finals). They have already met three times in 2024, with Swiatek winning the Rome Open and Madrid Open finals, while Sabalenka got her revenge in the Cincinnati Open semifinals last August.
This season, they have yet to play each other, but there's still a chance they could face off this week in Dubai. Swiatek will play Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals on Thursday, while Sabalenka still needs to get past Clara Tauson to reach the quarterfinals. The world No. 1 and No. 2 could only meet in a potential final.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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