TikTok turned Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek’s rivalry into friendship

The top two WTA players are taking different routes to prepare for the first Grand Slam of the year in mid-January. Aryna Sabalenka plays in the Brisbane WTA 500, while Iga Swiatek competes in the United Cup.

However, Sabalenka and Swiatek cannot escape questions about each other. The ongoing rivalry between Sabalenka and Swiatek is a perfect fit in a sport with a long history of storied rivalries.

Tennis fans who follow either player on social media will see them go out more than their rivals usually do. Sabalenka recently explained how they became friends recently.

Speaking to the media in Brisbane, Sabalenka said it all started with a TikTok at the WTA finals in November.

“It all started in the final. I asked her to do TikTok. I was like, “Okay, whatever, I’ll ask and see what happens. I thought we should stick together, have fun and enjoy our rivalry. don’t be too hard on each other. So I did it,” Sabalenka said.

Luckily for fans, their friendship grew from that point and they started training with each other in December.

Sabalenka explained: “Since I have already practiced a few times. Then we were doing fitness after our shot. She said, “Can I join you guys.” I’m like, “Yeah, let’s do that.” I filmed her and posted it as well, I must say she is a very nice person.

Sabalenka finished as world No. 1 with a 56–14 record with four singles titles (winning her third and fourth Grand Slams). Swiatek finished as world No. 2 with a record of 61–9 with five singles titles (winning her fifth Grand Slam).

Sabalenka overtook Swiatek in the WTA rankings in the latter part of the season, while the latter quietly managed a doping ban before making headlines.

Sabalenka overtook Swiatek in the WTA rankings in the latter part of the season, while the latter quietly managed a doping ban before making headlines.

Of course, the entire sport discussed Swiatek’s doping controversy. However, Sabalenka recently refused to criticize her friend when asked about the problem.

Sabalenka and Swiatek could meet again as soon as the Australian Open in 2025. Let’s hope there are more TikTok videos filmed between the rivals-turned-friends. Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated Serve on SI for all the top sports news.