BRISBANE - Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka says she and key rival Iga Swiatek have developed a "chilled" relationship off the court, in contrast to their fierce battles on the big stage.
Speaking ahead of the season-opening Brisbane International on Dec 29, the 26-year-old Belarusian said that she wanted to ensure her rivalry with the Polish world No. 2 did not become too intense.
The pair practiced together in Abu Dhabi last week, which Sabalenka then posted on TikTok.
"I thought we have to stay together and have fun and just enjoy our rivalry, not be too tough on each other," Sabalenka said. "So I asked (her) to train with me) and we did it.
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