Kudermetova Reflects on her Past Friendship with Sabalenka: A Shift in Connection for the World No. 1

Russian tennis player **[Veronika Kudermetova](https://www.championat.com/tags/25956-veronika-kudermetova/)** shared her thoughts about the world number one **Aryna Sabalenka** from Belarus.

**– Do you now have an understanding of how to reach the level of Aryna Sabalenka or Iga Swiatek?**
– Aryna is achieving remarkable results and plays very consistently, making it difficult to reach her level; it’s a different tier for now. I recognize how hard she works and the tremendous energy she invests. We used to be quite close friends, and I even stayed at her place for a while. She has her own challenges and has gone through various phases in life. You don’t become a superstar overnight; it requires a long journey, and Aryna truly deserves her position.

Moreover, I believe it’s not right to compare myself to others; each person is unique. Therefore, I don’t aim to be like anyone else. I am who I am, and I strive to do my best. What happens beyond that is in fate’s hands. I can’t predict how things will unfold or if I will achieve even greater victories. Of course, I want that and I’m doing everything to make it happen; I have the ambition.

**– Did Aryna congratulate you on your Wimbledon victory?**
– No, we’re communicating less now. She is the world number one, has a large team around her, and she focuses on her game without engaging much with others, – said Kudermetova in an interview with journalist Rustam Imamov from «Championat.»