![Sabalenka dreams to meet Swiatek in Rome final, to avenge Madrid Sabalenka dreams to meet Swiatek in Rome final, to avenge Madrid](https://www.tennisworldusa.org/world/media/image148806.jpg)
Aryna Sabalenka dreams of avenging her defeat against Iga Swiatek in the final in Madrid, dreaming of meeting the WTA No.1 in the final of the Internazionali BNL in Rome. The Belarusian regained strength and brilliance, those lost in the incredible final in Madrid with Iga Swiatek, and reached the semi-finals in Rome by beating Jelena Ostapenko with a score of 6-2, 6-4 in an hour and 12 minutes of play. In the post-match interview after beating Ostapenko and qualifying for the semi-finals, the Belarusian analyzed the match and revealed how her goal is to challenge Swiatek again in the final, this time hoping for a different outcome.
![Aryna Sabalenka](https://www.tennisworldusa.org/world/media/image148807.jpg)
“After Madrid it would be a good challenge to face Iga Swiatek again in the final. I’m trying to be positive, to take pressure off my life and have more fun. My favorite surface? I’ve played memorable matches on hard courts as well as on clay and also on grass. I like walking around Rome, I like places and restaurants: I love food. And tonight will finally be the right time for a nice ice cream… I’ve been dreaming about it for days,” she told.
![Aryna Sabalenka](https://www.tennisworldusa.org/world/media/image148809.jpg)
The three match points canceled out by Elina Svitolina in the round of 16 of the WTA 1000 in Rome had a strong impact on Aryna Sabalenka. Perhaps it was just what she needed to turn her path in the tournament, which began with a complicated match won in the third set against Katie Volynets.
“Thank you so much for the support: it’s been a tough two weeks, I hope to repay you! Today I played my best match in this tournament: after the marathon the other evening, yesterday I practically didn’t train and I preferred to take a day of rest . Compared to two years ago I have improved a lot as a player and grown as a person,” she explained.
Sabalenka unfiltered on the TC Desk
Aryna: “As soon as people start saying stop it we’re tired of this bulls***”
Prakash: “She promised no f-bombs, no cursing, nothing”
Aryna: “It’s just something in my blood I guess” 😂
(via @TennisChannel interviewed by @PrakashAmritraj) pic.twitter.com/I3fInXNNQN
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 15, 2024