'I would say her movement is really good,' Aryna Sabalenka reveals the reason behind her loss to Iga Swiatek in Rome Open Finals

World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka lavished praise on her rival, World No.1 Iga Swiatek, following the Italian Open final. Despite losing consecutive finals to the Polish icon in Madrid and Rome, the Belarusian tennis player remains optimistic about the future.

Sabalenka has now faced Swiatek in eleven matches, losing eight of them, including the two finals this year. Her last victory over the World No.1 was in Madrid last year, where she claimed a 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 win in the final.

Well, I think her movement is incredible. You always know that you have to build the point and you have to finish the point. It's not going to be an easy point anyway. You have to be really there 100%. I think that stay at the back of my mind, and that's why sometimes I try to overhit balls, knowing she's going to get it. I think that's something I'm going to work next week, try not to over-rush stuff, trust myself, my game, that I'm able able to stay in the point as long as needed. But yeah, I would say her movement is really, really good. Aryna Sabalenka said post Rome finals

Sabalenka credited Swiatek’s exceptional movement as the key factor behind her dominance. Given that clay demands superior movement compared to other surfaces, World No.2 believes that the Polish star’s impressive reach forces her opponents to hit more shots.

Obviously she's playing really smart. You can see that during the game. She's No.1 I would say she's really good in every aspect of the game. Aryna Sabalenka added

Aryna Sabalenka’s 2024 final curse goes on

In reviewing Aryna Sabalenka‘s overall performance in the 2024 season, one would undoubtedly be impressed by her tennis prowess. However, if one were to inquire directly with her, she would likely express agreement but also convey a sense of devastation, as she has nothing tangible to show for her efforts, except for her Australian Open title defense.