WATCH: Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek leave rivalry aside to shoot fun video together ahead of WTA Finals 2024

The rivalry between Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, World Nos. 1 and 2 in women’s tennis, is one of the most captivating storylines in the sport today. Yet, ahead of the 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the two dominant players showcased a more lighthearted side of their relationship, setting aside competitive tensions to collaborate on a fun video together. This unexpected and endearing moment was captured by the Tennis Channel cameras and shared across social media, delighting fans who are used to seeing the two players as fierce opponents rather than friendly collaborators.

Both players have had remarkable seasons, establishing themselves as the top forces in women’s tennis. Sabalenka, from Belarus, has reached new heights by winning three Grand Slam titles, including back-to-back victories at the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024, followed by an impressive triumph at the US Open this season. Her powerful baseline game and aggressive approach have made her a formidable opponent on any surface.

On the other hand, Swiatek, known for her exceptional clay-court prowess, has amassed five Grand Slam titles, four of which have come at the French Open. The Pole added the 2022 US Open to her resume, proving her versatility and skill on hard courts. Her patient, tactical style on clay has earned her the nickname “Queen of Clay,” while her steady rise on other surfaces has continued to impress fans and analysts alike.

For most of the season, Swiatek held the prestigious World No. 1 ranking, establishing herself as a consistent leader on the WTA tour. However, the rankings recently shifted after Swiatek’s absence from mandatory events led to a points deduction, allowing Sabalenka to claim the top spot for the first time in her career. This swap at the top of the rankings further fueled the rivalry between the two, adding an extra layer of tension and intrigue as they prepared for the season’s grand finale at the WTA Finals.

Their journey to the WTA Finals has been a testament to both their rivalry and mutual respect. Earlier in the season, Swiatek spoke candidly about her competitive relationship with Sabalenka, reflecting on a pivotal match during the 2024 Italian Open. After defeating Sabalenka to claim the title, Swiatek shared valuable insights on how underestimating the Belarusian had cost her in past encounters. “Aryna is a great player, and you can’t take anything for granted,” Swiatek said. “So even when you’re leading 6-2, 5-3, you need to really be intense and not let any point go away. I remember when we played in Madrid last year, and I literally lost two points that I shouldn’t have, and I lost the match because of that.”