Sabalenka (right) is aiming to match Swiatek by winning three straight titles at the same major Sabalenka (right) is aiming to match Swiatek by winning three straight titles at the same major

As Aryna Sabalenka prepares to launch her quest for a third straight Australian Open title, Iga Swiatek knows how her rival is likely to be feeling.(More Tennis News)

The world number one is aiming to become only the sixth woman in the Open Era to go three in a row Down Under, after Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles and Martina Hingis.

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Swiatek is one of only two active players - along with Novak Djokovic - to win three straight editions of the same major, achieving the feat at last year's French Open for her fourth such triumph overall.

"Yes, definitely, the mental toughness of this side is totally different. We are a united bunch and we backed each other and motivated each other when chips were down," Harmanpreet told PTI after returning to the country on Saturday.

“You have brought immense glory to India and have inspired millions of young athletes to pursue their dreams,” Mandaviya was quoted as saying in a media release.

With Sabalenka looking to follow suit in Melbourne, the Pole provided an insight into the experience.

"I thought you wanted to talk about my three-peat in the fourth round!" giggled Swiatek, who has suffered last-16 exits here in 2020, 2021 and 2023.

"Depends on the player, I guess. We handle pressure in a different way. For sure, you need to ask Aryna about that.

"In Roland-Garros for me, I don't know, it's always super special. I would say I felt the most pressure in 2023, because that was the first time I felt like I needed to defend my title. After 2020, I honestly thought this [winning] happened by mistake anyway.

AUS Open 2025: Gauff, Djokovic, Swiatek Face Media

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"I was like: 'Oh, no-one will expect me to repeat that probably'. But in 2023, the pressure was high. I felt that on court and off the court. Last year, 2024, I felt good.

"I guess it depends how you play, as well. We get confident when we see our game. Aryna obviously has a great game to play here.

Hiding in plain sight#AO2025 @iga_swiatek pic.twitter.com/k7vGfmmJMl

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"Also747 live, it's a two-week tournament. Even if you struggle at the beginning, you don't know what's going to happen later. You might get a perfect feeling anyway, or the opposite. I guess we'll see."