Iga Swiatek reacts with four words after her Madrid final v Aryna Sabalenka is voted WTA Match of the Year
Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka played out a thrilling battle in 2024, with both enjoying superb individual seasons.
The WTA duo are already looking ahead to 2025, with Swiatek and Sabalenka playing the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in February.
Before that, however, world numbers one and two Sabalenka and Swiatek are in Abu Dhabi for the World Tennis League.
Swiatek practised with Caroline Garcia ahead of the event, which is currently in its final stages at Yas Island.
After a frustrating end to her season, the Pole will likely be using the tournament as preparation for the Australian Open.
Iga Swiatek reacts after ‘epic’ Madrid final v Aryna Sabalenka wins WTA award
Swiatek won five titles in 2024, more than any other player, but managed to lose her number one ranking to Sabalenka.
The pair met three times throughout the season, with their Madrid Open final having just been voted as the WTA Tour Match of the Year.
READ MORE: Andy Murray’s former coach reacts after Iga Swiatek accused of being the most unlikeable WTA number one ever
Swiatek triumphed 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(9-7) after more than three hours in the Spanish capital, having saved three championship points.
Sharing her delight at the WTA recognising the thrilling clash, Swiatek posted the award on her Instagram story with the words: “Yasssss. That was epic.”
Aryna Sabalenka guides Hawks into World Tennis League final
Swiatek also won WTA 1,000 Masters titles in Doha, Indian Wells and Rome in 2024, along with the small matter of the French Open.
In comparison, Sabalenka won four titles, emerging victorious in Wuhan and Cincinnati alongside her Australian Open and US Open wins.
READ MORE: Emma Raducanu thinks she has ‘really good’ idea which could change tennis after Iga Swiatek complaints
Another thrilling battle is very much on the cards in 2025, beginning with an attempted title defence from Sabalenka in Melbourne.
Both players are looking strong in the World Tennis League, but it is Sabalenka who has just helped her Hawks side reach the final.
She has starred alongside Mirra Andreeva in Abu Dhabi, and looks in formidable form as the 2025 season approaches.
It is, however, Swiatek who holds the bragging rights in terms of her WTA head-to-head record with Sabalenka, with eight wins and four losses.
| Tournament | Winner | Round | Score |
| Madrid Open | Iga Swiatek | Final | 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(9-7) |
| Italian Open | Iga Swiatek | Final | 6-2, 6-3 |
| Cincinnati Open | Aryna Sabalenka | Semi-final | 6-3, 6-3 |
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