Sabalenka enjoying 'chilled' rivalry with Swiatek

Speaking ahead of the season-opening Brisbane International, the 26-year-old Sabalenka said she wanted to ensure her rivalry with the Polish world number two did not become too intense. The pair practised together in Abu Dhabi last week, which Sabalenka then posted to 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. "Then I was doing fitness after our hit. She was like, I can join you guys.