Aryna Sabalenka sends a message to Iga Swiatek following Pole’s split with long-term coach Tomasz Wiktorowski

Aryna Sabalenka has sent a message to her arch-rival Iga Swiatek after the latter parted ways with her long-time coach Tomasz Wiktorowski. The Belarusian hoped the Pole would sort out her situation quickly.

Earlier in the month, Swiatek announced her split with coach Tomasz Wiktorowski after three years of working together. Wiktorowski joined the World No. 1’s team in 2022 and guided the World No. 1 to four Grand Slam titles, including three consecutive French Open and the 2022 US Open, along with an Olympic bronze medal and other notable achievements.

Swiatek’s decision also coincided with her withdrawal from the Wuhan Open, which somewhat eased the competition for other players, including Sabalenka, who shared her thoughts on her colleague’s coaching situation after reaching the Round of 16 at the WTA 1000 tournament.

Aryna Sabalenka told the media:

“I hope she’ll figure out the coach situation and she’ll be back in the Finals in her best shape. Hopefully, we can play against each other there in the Finals, yeah, put it into a fight for world No. 1. That’s ideally.”

“I’m trying to focus on myself and make sure that I play my best tennis and make sure I still have this opportunity to become world No. 1 at the end of the year,” she added.

The Belarusian also expressed her enjoyment of competing against Swiatek, saying that she loved the challenge of facing her in finals:

“I love having this competition and I love seeing her in the draw. Yeah, I love to, like, get to the finals and face her in the finals. It’s always great battles. I always enjoy fights against her.”

Iga Swiatek reportedly adds temporary coach to her team
Iga Swiatek pictured at the 2024 US Open | Image Source: Getty
Iga Swiatek pictured at the 2024 US Open | Image Source: Getty

Iga Swiatek penned a heartfelt note to her ex-coach Tomasz Wiktorowski when announcing their split on Instagram. She expressed gratitude for their time together while bidding him farewell.

“After 3 years of the greatest achievements in my career, together with my coach Tomasz Wiktorowski we decided to part ways. I want to start with a big thank you and appreciating our work together,” she said.

The Pole also mentioned that she was in discussions with several non-Polish coaches to guide her, as she was ready to move forward:

“Due to this important change on my team, I give myself a couple of weeks to start a cooperation with a new coach. I’m in the middle of first talks with coaches from abroad (non-Polish), because I’m ready to take the next step in my career. I will let you know when I make a decision.”

Swiatek has reportedly begun working with Dawid Celt temporarily while she searches for a permanent coach. Celt, who serves as Poland’s Billie Jean King Cup captain, is already familiar with the 23-year-old’s game.