Iga Swiatek acknowledged Aryna Sabalenka is having a great season and noted she “never expects it to be easy” against the Belarusian. Swiatek, the defending Stuttgart champion, is set to meet 2023 Australian Open champion Sabalenka in the Stuttgart final.
Last year, Swiatek won her first Stuttgart title after beating Sabalenka in the final 6-2 6-2. But Sabalenka is in a much better place than she was 12 months ago. Going into this year’s Stuttgart final, Swiatek just wants to give her 100% and see where it will lead her.
Swiatek on playing Sabalenka in the Stuttgart final
“She gained confidence during this season. So it’s gonna be tough. Aryna has huge experience. It’s going to be her third final here. I never expect it to be easy.
I’m just gonna play 100% and we’ll see. I don’t expect anything,” Swiatek said. When Swiatek and Sabalenka meet, it will be their first meeting of the season. On Saturday, Swiatek also met Ons Jabeur for the first time this year.
After just three games and with Swiatek leading 3-0, Jabeur was forced to retire due to a calf injury. Jabeur was very emotional after suffering an unfortunate injury and Swiatek approached the Tunisian to comfort her. “I don’t know what Ons’ situation is, but I really respect the fact that she came out and…
