Photo by ALAIN JOCARD/AFP via Getty ImagesCallum DaviesFri, January 16, 2026 at 5:52 PM UTC·2 min read

Aryna Sabalenka is still the top player to beat on the WTA Tour, even though she ended 2025 with only one Grand Slam title.

She came close to sweeping all four, and that is likely what she will be aiming for when the new season begins.

She has already picked up a title in Melbourne, and it would not be surprising to see her as the favourite again this year.

But it will not be an easy run, especially with so many others eager to keep her from reclaiming her spot at the top.

One of those challengers will be Iga Swiatek, who certainly has her own ambitions.

Photo by Robert Prange/Getty ImagesAryna Sabalenka speaks about her rivalry with Iga Swiatek

Swiatek should arguably be the favourite at any tournament she enters, given her past achievements. She is a former world number one with six Grand Slam titles.

Yet, 2025 was anything but consistent for her. She went through the season without a title until Wimbledon, where she nearly met Sabalenka for only the second time that year.

Asked about their infrequent meetings, Sabalenka said: “I think it’s actually not only about me and Iga. There is, yeah… It’s Coco, Elena, Jessica. I just don’t want to forget anyone right now (smiling). It’s not only about me and her, to be honest.

“But that’s crazy to think that we only played once last year. Yeah, we haven’t played this year yet. I hope we’re going to play more often this season.

“Also, yeah, as I said, it’s not only about us. There is so many great players I have a great rivalry with, yeah.”

Mats Wilander recently pointed out what separates them as players, and it would be no surprise if fans are hoping for an Australian Open final between the two later this month.

Given their seedings and positions in the draw, the earliest that Sabalenka and Swiatek could face each other at the Australian Open is in the final.

The main reason they did not cross paths often in 2025 was likely because Swiatek did not always make it through to where her ranking suggested she would.

Despite facing several potential obstacles, it is expected that Sabalenka will reach the final stages of the tournament again.

The toughest early test should come in the third round, where Emma Raducanu is expected to be waiting.

After that, it will be either Clara Tauson or Victoria Mboko, before a likely semi-final against Coco Gauff or Mirra Andreeva.

And then one of Swiatek, Elena Rybakina or Amanda Anisimova will probably be standing between her and another Grand Slam title.

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