"What have Iga’s opponents done?": Tennis fans debate Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka's run to Madrid Open final

With the showdown of two of the top WTA names in Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka incoming, tennis fans have pinned their colours to the mast so to speak in terms of who has had the tougher run at the Madrid Open. Sabalenka will aim to win the title for a third time and defend it against the Pole who will aim to claim it for the first time.

But the conjecture surrounds their respective runs with some saying Swiatek had it harder on averages and others saying that the tough run that Sabalenka has had hands her the initiative.

"Iga's oppenents average ranking #34 Aryna's opponents average ranking #58 Yet some people say Iga had an easy draw," one fan wrote. But fans disparaged this view point.

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"Collins and Rybakina are tougher opponents than anyone on Iga's draw," another responded. It was widely opined that Sabalenka facing Robin Montgomery increased her average, but that she also had to defeat Elena Rybakina, Mirra Andreeva and Danielle Collins as well as Magda Linette.

This in comparison to Sara Sorribes Tormo, a known good opponent for Swiatek as well as Beatriz Haddad Maia and Madison Keys. Two great players but not a comparison point compared to some of the best in the world that Sabalenka has tackled.

"The average is kinda irrelevant because Robin’s ranking obviously drags Aryna’s average way down," one wrote. "Collins just won 2 titles in a row, Ryba coming from Stuttgart win, Linette was just in a final of 250 a week ago. What have Iga’s opponents done? I am a big Iga fan, but let’s be honest.. This time Saba had it much harder," another said.

"Aryna had to face two of the most in form players of the year and not Sorribes and Keys," continued others in response. It is all academic though with the final being the true barometer on Saturday afternoon.

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Melanie Lautrup

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Swiatek and Sabalenka’s routes to the Madrid Final

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