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.

Aryna Sabalenka didn't want her rivalry with Iga Swiatek to impact how she views the Pole and that's how they started spending some time together and upgrading their relationship to being "more chill.

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 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.

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

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

In late November, the tennis world was shocked by the news of WTA World No.2 Iga Swiatek's doping ban. Even more surprising was that tennis and anti-doping organizations concealed the story for months.