Aryna Sabalenka Starts 2024 Strong with Brisbane Victory

Aryna Sabalenka world number one, prepared for her Australian Open title defense with a hard-fought victory over Russian qualifier Polina Kudermetova in the Brisbane International final. Sabalenka, who had lost last year’s Brisbane final to Elena Rybakina, bounced back after dropping the first set 4-6. Despite losing her serve twice, the 26-year-old Belarusian found her rhythm, winning the next two sets 6-3, 6-2 to clinch the title.

The win marks a strong start to the year as she aims for her third consecutive Australian Open triumph. The match saw Sabalenka struggle early but she turned the tide with a dominant second set, breaking Kudermetova’s serve after saving break points in the opening game. She then controlled the final set after a break in the third game securing her first title of the season.

The Australian Open begins on 12 January and Aryna Sabalenka heads into the tournament as a favorite. In other news, Naomi Osaka had to retire from her first final since 2022 at the Auckland Classic due to an abdominal injury. After winning the first set 6-4 against Clara Tauson, Osaka called for a medical timeout and following a consultation with her trainer, she withdrew from the match allowing Tauson to claim her third career title.

Osaka, who returned to the tour after a 15-month break and the birth of her child in 2023 expressed disappointment but gratitude for her return to the court. Meanwhile, Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova announced she would miss the Australian Open due to an ongoing back injury. The world number 10, who reached last year’s Australian Open quarterfinals, stated her injury hadn’t fully healed.