Swiatek against Sabalenka – the cold dream final

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Finally he had a long conversation: a short, tight handshake that was perfectly normal if possible, but with a lot to interpret. Some social media users described the meeting on the net between Iga Swiatek (21) and Aryna Sabalenka (24) after the Stuttgart final as “cold”, who won the former 6: 3, 6: 4.

Well, exaggerated or not, if you turn things around, the relationship between the two currently best tennis players in the world cannot be described as warm. Swiatek is Polish and a clear supporter of Ukraine, Sabalenka is a Belarusian who has vehemently defended himself against previous convictions. The tensions are too great and not necessarily personal, but certainly part of the larger context of the war raging in Europe.

Now they meet again in the final of the Masters tournament in Madrid. From a sporting point of view it is a dream final. The best women’s tennis has to offer right now. But there is also a political shadow over it.

‘Not good management of the WTA’

The number one in the world, Swiatek, supported those affected in Ukraine from the start. Not only did she criticize the WTA for her hesitant actions, but also Russia’s Anastasia Potapova, who appeared in Indian Wells in the dress of her favorite club Spartak Moscow: “It’s quite emotional for me. These things with people wearing shirts from Russian football clubs only happen because we didn’t have a good head start on the WTA in the beginning.”

Swiatek is said to have argued – as a clear sign – for a suspension of Russian and Belarusian players. But now it’s too late, the situation is much too “chaotic” and also “quite tense”.

The number two in the world, Sabalenka from Minsk, would also have been taken out of circulation as a result. But being allowed to play under a neutral flag has recently sparked an exciting high-level rivalry between her and Swiatek. Sabalenka became Australian Open champion, while three-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek won in Doha and Stuttgart this year.

“Not the best feeling to be hated”

Sabalenka has repeatedly stated that the situation in Ukraine also affects her. She spoke of “hate” in the cabin, explaining: “There are people who don’t like me just because I was born in Belarus. That’s your decision. I can’t control this. It’s not for the best feeling of being hated for practically nothing. But it is what it is.” In Stuttgart she also said: “If I could stop the war I would, but unfortunately it’s not in my hands.”

The final in Madrid will take place on Saturday. It is a preview of what may still follow at the French Open (from May 28): a (unfortunately) very explosive duel for the title in all respects.

Source : Blick