World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka began her 2025 season with a resounding victory. She clinched the Brisbane International title after overcoming Russian qualifier Polina Kudermetova in a thrilling three-set final. The Belarusian showcased her resilience and determination, returning from a shaky start to secure a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 win and claim the title.
Sabalenka’s triumph is a significant boost ahead of her Australian Open title defense. After falling short in last year’s Brisbane final against Elena Rybakina, the Belarusian tennis star was determined to rewrite history this time. With her sights set on a third consecutive Australian Open crown, this victory marks an ideal start to the season.
The final match against Polina Kudermetova was anything but smooth sailing for Aryna Sabalenka. She struggled early, losing the opening set after being broken twice on her serve. Kudermetova ranked 107th in the world, displayed impressive composure, capitalizing on Sabalenka’s early inconsistencies.
However, Sabalenka found her rhythm in the second set. With powerful baseline strokes and improved focus, she took control of key moments. Midway through the second set, a decisive break allowed her to level the match, and she carried that momentum into the decider.
In the third set, Sabalenka dominated with aggressive shot-making and relentless pressure on Kudermetova’s serve. An early break sealed her advantage, and she never looked back, closing out the match confidently.
Aryna Sabalenka’s victory in Brisbane extends her remarkable winning streak in Australia to 12 consecutive matches. Of her 18 career titles, 16 have come on hard courts, underscoring her dominance on the surface.
The match highlighted Sabalenka’s ability to adapt under pressure. Despite Kudermetova’s strong opening set, the 26-year-old raised her level significantly as the match progressed. Her physical and mental resilience was on full display, serving as a clear warning to her competitors ahead of the Australian Open.
For Kudermetova, reaching her first WTA final was a breakthrough achievement. Her impressive run through the qualifying rounds and main draw will see her rise significantly in the WTA rankings, breaking into the Top 60 for the first time in her career. A match against Aryna Sabalenka will only help her resume moving forward.
As the tennis world now turns its attention to Melbourne Park, Sabalenka aims to achieve a historic milestone: becoming the first woman since Martina Hingis to win three consecutive Australian Open titles. The confidence gained from her Brisbane victory will undoubtedly fuel her quest for another Grand Slam triumph.
Meanwhile, Kudermetova will also head to Melbourne with renewed confidence. Her run in Brisbane proved she can compete with the world’s best, and she will be one to watch in the early rounds of the Australian Open.
Aryna Sabalenka’s victory at the Brisbane International adds another trophy to her collection and sets the stage for an exciting Australian Open campaign. With her eyes firmly set on a third consecutive title in Melbourne, Sabalenka has once again proven why she is the World No. 1. As the tennis season unfolds, fans can expect more thrilling performances from both Sabalenka and rising star Kudermetova.
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