Aryna Sabalenka has a golden opportunity to further cement her dominant run this season as she moves closer to claiming her third WTA 1000 title of the year. The path has unexpectedly opened up for the Belarusian after world No. 1 Iga Swiatek suffered a stunning defeat to Danielle Collins in the latest round of the tournament, a result that has dramatically reshaped the dynamics of the draw.
Swiatek, a three-time winner this season and the top seed in the competition, was widely expected to be a major contender for the title. Her early exit came as a surprise to many, especially considering her consistent form over the past few months. Danielle Collins, currently enjoying a late-career surge, delivered a fearless and powerful performance to eliminate the Polish star, effectively sending shockwaves through the tournament.
For Sabalenka, this turn of events could not have come at a better time. The Belarusian has been playing some of the best tennis of her career in 2025, with multiple deep runs at premier events. With Swiatek now out of the picture, Sabalenka’s chances of lifting another WTA 1000 trophy have significantly improved. Her aggressive style, strong serve, and improved mental composure have all contributed to her rising stature on the tour.
However, Sabalenka’s reaction to Swiatek’s defeat wasn’t just competitive—it also reflected a deep sense of empathy and respect. Speaking after her own match, Sabalenka commented on the challenges Swiatek may be going through, both on and off the court. “She’s facing really tough challenges, I believe, on and off the court,” Sabalenka said during her post-match press conference. Her words suggest that beyond the physical and strategic aspects of the game, Swiatek may be grappling with personal or emotional pressures that are affecting her performance.
“Maybe she just needs some time off, and then she’s going to get back on top of her game because the level is there,” Sabalenka continued. “She’s a champion.” These remarks show a notable level of sportsmanship, as well as an understanding of the mental toll that the tennis circuit can take on even the most elite athletes. It’s a reminder that top-level competition isn’t just about physical endurance or technical skills—mental well-being plays a critical role as well.
Sabalenka herself has not had an easy journey. Known earlier in her career for struggling with inconsistency and emotional volatility on the court, she has made significant progress in stabilizing her performances. Her improved focus and maturity have been evident in her recent victories, and she seems poised to take full advantage of the opportunity presented by Swiatek’s absence.
Still, Sabalenka isn’t letting her guard down. The field remains competitive, and she will need to maintain her high level if she wants to secure the title. With players like Elena Rybakina, Maria Sakkari, and Jessica Pegula still in the mix, the title is far from a guarantee. However, the door is clearly open, and Sabalenka appears mentally and physically prepared to walk through it.
As for Swiatek, her early loss serves as a rare hiccup in an otherwise stellar season. The Polish star, who burst onto the scene with a French Open title in 2020, has since become one of the most consistent performers on the WTA Tour. Her mix of power, finesse, and mental discipline has helped her dominate many tournaments over the past few years. That said, even the best go through rough patches, and Sabalenka’s comments underline a widespread belief in Swiatek’s ability to bounce back.
“She just needs a bit of space to regroup,” one analyst noted. “It’s a long season, and sometimes a little rest can reignite a player’s passion and rhythm.” That seems to be the sentiment shared by many of Swiatek’s peers, including Sabalenka.
This show of solidarity between two of the game’s top talents speaks volumes about the culture of mutual respect that is growing within women’s tennis. Rivalries are fierce on court, but off it, there’s a shared understanding of the intense demands placed on athletes—both physically and mentally.
Sabalenka’s current form suggests she is ready to take full control of the moment. If she continues on her current trajectory, she could soon add another prestigious trophy to her cabinet and further solidify her claim as one of the top players of the season. With two WTA 1000 titles already in her possession this year, a third would be a powerful statement heading into the summer stretch of the tour.
In the unpredictable world of tennis, opportunities can arise suddenly, and those who are prepared are often the ones who thrive. Sabalenka is well aware of this—and with Swiatek temporarily out of the title picture, she knows the time to strike is now.
