Aryna Sabalenka made a strong impression by reaching the final of the Brisbane International with a resounding 6-3, 6-2 win over rising star Mirra Andreeva on Saturday, aiming to clinch her first trophy of the season ahead of her defense of title at the Australian Open later this month.
Ranked world number one, Sabalenka showed her resilience by saving five break points to win a hard-fought first set against the 17-year-old Russian, who had previously surprised her in their quarter-final clash at Roland Garros ago at seven months.
Showing no signs of weariness in her first tournament of the new year, Sabalenka picked up the pace in the second set, breaking her opponent early and cruising to victory, qualifying for a duel with Russian Polina Kudermetova in Sunday’s final.
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“My game plan is always to stay aggressive and put pressure on my opponents,” Sabalenka said after her strong performance. “I felt like everything came together today against Mirra. She is a phenomenal player, and I have no doubt that she will reach the top 10 soon. I am delighted with this victory. »
Earlier in the day, the 21-year-old Kudermetova continued her great adventure by eliminating the Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina with a score of 6-4, 6-3.
On the men’s side, Grigor Dimitrov’s attempt to defend his title came to a screeching halt as the Bulgarian had to retire due to injury, trailing 6-4, 4-4 against Czech Jiri Lehecka on Pat Rafter Arena.
Reilly Opelka continued his momentum after his resounding victory against Novak Djokovic, outclassing Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-3, 7-6(4) in a clash of giant servers. The 2.11 American overcame wrist problems in the first set before winning in a tight tiebreak, reaching his first final in three years.
In Auckland, four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka continued her strong comeback with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Alycia Parks, securing a place in the final against Denmark’s Clara Tauson on Sunday. Osaka, who returned to the WTA Tour 12 months ago after a long maternity break, is keen to secure her first title since her triumph at Melbourne Park four years ago.
“It’s definitely a significant moment for me,” Osaka said. “Reaching the final is important. Interestingly, I have never reached the final of a tournament the week before Melbourne. This is a first for me. »
The 27-year-old hasn’t tasted defeat in a final since the 2022 Miami Open against Iga Swiatek and expects another tough match ahead.
Tauson secured her place in the final after beating American Robin Montgomery 6-4, 6-3, following her incredible victory over top seed Madison Keys in a rain-affected match on Friday.
In other news, Elena Rybakina has spoken out in defense of her former coach, Stefano Vukov, after he was provisionally suspended by women’s tennis governing body amid an ongoing investigation into a possible violation of driving. Rybakina, who won the 2022 Wimbledon title under Vukov, ended their five-year partnership days before the US Open but recently reinstated him to her team.
“I have been clear that he never mistreated me; there has never been anything like this,” Rybakina said while preparing for the Australian Open at the United Cup in Sydney. “I work with Goran Ivanisevic, and I am satisfied with our collaboration so far. Stefano’s return to the team makes sense given our six-year relationship and the potential we have to work together beyond the court. »
The tennis community is in uproar following Vukov’s suspension. The latter strongly denied any wrongdoing, telling The Athletic on Thursday that he “never abused anyone.” The WTA announced on Friday that Vukov would not be eligible for accreditation for any of their tournaments.
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