Aryna Sabalenka delivers curt response about Iga Swiatek's failed drug test

Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek might be taking things from each other for several more years. That includes who earns the year-end No. 1 ranking on the WTA tour as well as winning Grand Slams. They are the two most consistently good players on the tour, and that is likely to continue.

At the same time, off the court, there does not appear to be any ill-will between the players. They certainly have different personalities when it comes to how they approach the media (Sabalenka is the more effervescent while Swiatek is more calculated in her answers), and how they present themselves on social media. The Belarusian doesn't hide much, while Swiatek has spoken out about social media trolls.

The two recently played against one another in a doubles event in the World Tennis League. Sabalenka teamed with Mirra Andreeva and Swiatek played with Sabalenka's good friend, Paula Badosa. Sabalenka's team dominated the match. Afterward, the Belarusian was asked about Swiatek's failed drug test in August at the Cincinnati Open.

Aryna Sabalenka has Iga Swiatek's back about failed drug test

The one-month suspension for Swiatek failing the test likely caused her to miss out on once again finishing the year at No. 1. She had a large point lead over Sabalenka but then the Belarusian won several tournaments at the end of the year to close the gap. At the time, tennis fans were told that the Pole was missing tournaments because she was working with a new coach. That was not the truth.

Still, Swiatek was found innocent by the International Tennis Integrity Agency of any intentional wrongdoing. One might rightly ask if that was the case then why was Swiatek disciplined at all. When asked about her rival at the WTL event, Sabalenka took the high road and said people should not rush to judgment if they do not know all the facts.

The Belarusian said, "People are really used to overreacting before figuring stuff out, so I don’t want to leave any comments. I believe in clean sport and nothing else I can add."

At least publicly, clearly, Sabalenka believes Swiatek was not trying to get an edge by taking a banned substance. If anything, had Swiatek done anything intentional then it would have only helped the Belarusian. Plus, with several players failing drug tests and then being found innocent, Sabalenka might be nervous what some random test will find in her system as well that she does not know about.

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