Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek are currently competing for title at the WTA Finals in Riyadh. Yet, during their downtime, the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked players are just like any other Gen Z. A fan captured the moment the two players set aside their rivalry to record a TikTok video together after practice.
After busting some moves, the two arch rivals gleefully checked the result of the recording and then shared a high five. Apparently, they were shooting this transition video of themselves on the court and then at a glamorous function.
Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka all glammed up in Riyadh for the WTA Finals Gala.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 31, 2024
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pic.twitter.com/zfaj2qgbrM
Asked about it during an interview, Swiatek revealed that the TikTok was Sabalenka’s idea.
Well yeah, (Sabalenka) kind of made me do it,” she said. “Obviously, you know me. I am not the kind of person that goes on TikTok a lot but it was really fun to do something else. And I can learn from her actually how to do proper TikTok. So I wanted to use this experience, use this opportunity.”
She added, “Also, I am happy that we could show the fans that we are getting along, you know. We really respect each other.”
Sabalenka and Swiatek have been neck and neck for a while at the top of the WTA ranking. At the ongoing WTA Finals, Swiatek just won her opening match against Czech player Barbora Krejčíková, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2. This is a promising comeback for Swiatek after missing several tournaments due to internal team changes. Elsewhere, Sabalenka also won her Group Stage match against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in a straight set, 6-3, 7-5.