Rivals on the court, but then there is a relationship of esteem and friendship outside, like that between Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe and the more recent one between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal: now there is the one between WTA No.1 Aryna Sabalenka and her greatest rival, Iga Swiatek.

Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka says she and key rival Iga Swiatek have developed a "chilled" relationship off court in contrast to their fierce battles on the big stage.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka admitted she had developed a "chilled" off-court relationship with rival Iga Swiatek as the pair prepare for the Australian Open.

Training video of the two top women's tennis players in the world, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, goes viral.

Aryna Sabalenka has addressed the recent controversy surrounding Iga Swiatek‘s doping violation, claiming people are often “used to overreacting” in such situations.

Aryna Sabalenka is playing in the Brisbane WTA 500, while Iga Swiatek competes in the United Cup. Yet, Sabalenka and Swiatek are unable to escape questions about each other. The ongoing competition between Sabalenka and Swiatek fits perfectly in a sport with a long history of legendary rivalries.

The pair practised together in Abu Dhabi last week, which Sabalenka then posted to TikTok. Read more at straitstimes.com.