"Aryna Sabalenka is a great player, you can't take anything for granted" - Iga Swiatek opens up on her rivalry with Belarusian after Italian Open win

Iga Swiatek recently discussed her rivalry with Aryna Sabalenka after winning the 2024 Italian Open. She stated that the Belarusian is a "great player" against whom nothing can be taken for granted.

Swiatek claimed her third Italian Open title by defeating Sabalenka 6-2, 6-3 in just under an hour and a half. She secured her first title in Rome in 2021 when she defeated Karolina Pliskova 6-0, 6-0 in the final. She won her second title at the Foro Italico the following year, in 2022 by overcoming Ons Jabeur 6-2, 6-2 in the championship match.

This win over the Belarusian marked her fourth title of the 2024 season, having previously won the Qatar Open, BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Madrid Open.

The Italian Open also became the third tournament where Iga Swiatek is a three-time champion as she has also claimed three titles at the French Open and the Qatar Open.

During her post-match interview with Prakash Amritraj on the Tennis Channel, Swiatek discussed her rivalry with Aryna Sabalenka. Her win over Sabalenka in the final at Rome was her eighth win against the World No.2 in 11 encounters between them.

The World No.1 called Sabalenka a "great player" against whom she needs to remain vigilant and take nothing for granted.

"Aryna [Sabalenka] is a great player and you can't take anything for granted. So even when you're leading 6-2, 5-3, you need to really be intense and not let any point go away. I remember when we played in Madrid last year and I literally lost two points that I shouldn't, and I lost the match because of that," Swiatek said.

Iga Swiatek also stated that she always has to be on her toes while facing Aryna Sabalenka as she has the ability to take the game away at any moment.

"So really you have to stay on your toes and be ready all the time. So even when I was leading, I knew that it may be close. I was just really focused and determined and I didn't let these thoughts you know get into my head," she added.

Iga Swiatek on her Italian Open title win: "Really proud of myself and really happy"

Iga Swiatek at Internazionali BNL D'Italia 2024

Following her win over Aryna Sabalenka in the final at the 2024 Italian Open, Iga Swiatek revealed that she always believed she would be able to win the title if she maintained a strong work ethic and has the "right mindset."

The World No.1 said that she was "happy" that she was able to stay "focused" and "disciplined" throughout the entire tournament, which ultimately led to her claiming the title.

"I kind of knew that if I'm going to work hard and if I'm going to be in the right mindset, this is achievable. I'm happy I was so focused and disciplined throughout the tournament to do that," Iga Swiatek said [via WTATennis.com].

Reflecting on her performance in the final match in Rome, Swiatek stated that she was "proud" of herself and with the way she played.

"For sure this match looked a little bit differently than in Madrid. I felt like I'm putting a lot of pressure. I just continued doing that throughout the whole match. Really proud of myself and really happy," she added.

Looking ahead, Iga Swiatek will be aiming to defend her title at the 2024 French Open. Last year, she defeated Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 to win her third title at the clay Major.