World number two, Aryna Sabalenka, has stated that staying part of the women’s ‘Big 3’ motivates her to improve her performance. The 26-year-old is regarded as one of the best players currently playing women’s
tennis, along with Poland’s Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina.
Sabalenka lost in the final of the Madrid Open on Saturday
to Swiatek in a hard-fought final with a score of 7-5, 4-6, 7-6. After the match, the two-time Grand Slam winner stated that the motivation to stay part of the so-called ‘Big 3’ in women’s tennis has helped her maintain her
levels.
“That's just the thing I really want to see. I really want
to see many more finals against her,” he said. “I want to see more wins than
losses. But I really hope that we'll be able to keep the level or increase the
level every year and just to be one of those three, that's amazing, and I'm
really happy to be one of these Big 3, you call us (smiling). Yeah, that's a
pleasure, you know. It's really motivating me a lot to keep working and to keep
improving myself just so l stay there, and then kind of, like, you know, just
be there and get as many wins against them as I can.”
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
3 - Only Simona Halep (four) has made more finals at the Madrid Open than Aryna Sabalenka (three, level with Petra Kvitova) since the tournament's inception in 2009. Sensations.
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