World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka admits she has developed a “chilled” off-court relationship with rival and No. 2 Iga Swiatek ahead of the Australian Open in January.

The pair even practiced together in Abu Dhabi last week, with the footage shared on Sabalenka’s TikTok. Sabalenka is looking to become the first woman since Martina Hingis to win the Australian Open three years in succession.

Aryna Sabalenka admits she has developed a “chilled” off-court relationship with rival Iga Swiatek.

World No. 1 Sabalenka stressed that she wanted to ensure her rivalry with No. 2 Swiatek did not become too intense, as the duo prepare for the upcoming Australian Open – live on Eurosport and discovery+.

“I thought we have to stay together and have fun and just enjoy our rivalry, not be too tough on each other,” Sabalenka said, courtesy of AFP, ahead of the season-opening Brisbane International.

“So I asked [her to train with me] and we did it. Then I was doing fitness after our hit. She was like, I can join you guys. We filmed it and posted it.

“It’s been becoming more chilled between us, too. I have to say she’s a really nice person. It was fun to get to know each other.”