Iga Świątek dazzled at the Australian Open, but it is not she who – according to Kim Clijsters – has the best tools to defeat Aryna Sabalenka . According to the Belgian legend, the only tennis player capable of defeating the Belarusian in her best form is Madison Keys.
The Pole was close to the final of the tournament in Melbourne, but after a dramatic match she lost to Keys 7:5, 1:6, 6:7(8). The American defeated Sabalenka in the decisive match, winning the Grand Slam title.
There is no denying that the 30-year-old player has improved her tennis in recent months, which has brought spectacular results. According to Clijsters, the key to clashes with Sabalenka is the power of the stroke and aggressive play.
Against Aryna you have to have a similar weapon, otherwise you will be chased around the court from one side to the other and you will lose – the Belgian said on Andy Roddick’s podcast.
The former champion emphasized that Keys is one of the few players who can effectively counter the Belarusian, especially in the most important moments. “Madison is a tennis player who, at her best, can beat Sabalenka on a hard court,” Clijsters said.
Although Świątek did not win the title, her performance in Melbourne showed that the Pole is ready to compete at the highest level. The next tournament in which the world vice-leader will play will be the WTA 1000 in Doha, where she will defend her title.
