Aryna Sabalenka had more difficulty than expected in the final in Brisbane against qualifier Polina Kudermetova, but the world No. 1 managed to get her hands on the trophy on Sunday in three sets (4-6, 6-3, 6- 2). This is his eighteenth career title.
The revolt sounded at 4-6, 2-2 when, still dominated by Veronika Kudermetova’s little sister, Sabalenka – who had nevertheless started the match better (3-1) – saved a break point. “I wasn’t taking enough risks until then, I wasn’t sticking to the game plan and she was letting go of all her shots”confided Sabalenka. “So I started putting more and more pressure on her game and she got a little rushed, had a hard time containing her emotions. I continued to be aggressive and the match turned. »
The tension suddenly changed sides and it was the double champion of the Australian Open who gradually took the advantage against a 107th 21-year-old player in the world who has been constantly progressing for two years. Kudermetova had also made a strong impression in this draw by dominating the number 13 seed Liudmila Samsonova (6-7 [7]6-3, 6-2), the No. 3 seed Daria Kasatkina (1-6, 6-2, 7-5), the American Ashlyn Krueger (7-6 [5]6-3) and the Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina (6-4, 6-3).
Sabalenka started her year in a very solid way by beating, in addition to Kudermetova, the Kazakh Yulia Putintseva, seeded n°15 (7-6 [2]6-4), Marie Bouzkova (6-3, 6-4), and the Russian Mirra Andreeva, seeded n°8 (6-3, 6-2).
Beaten by Elena Rybakina in the final of this Brisbane tournament last year, Sabalenka this time managed to complete the affair, confirming that she will be the big favorite once again in Melbourne. “I feel good about my game and I am in good shape physically and mentally as well. Winning this trophy before a Grand Slam tournament is very important. I will be ready for the Australian Open. The conditions suit me and I love fighting for my dreams. »
