World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka kicked off her 2025 season in style, cruising past Mexico’s Renata Zarazua 6-4, 6-0 in her opening match at the Brisbane International on Tuesday. The top-seeded Belarusian needed just over an hour to dispatch her 147th-ranked opponent on Pat Rafter Arena, setting the tone for what she hopes will be another stellar year on the WTA Tour.
Dominant Display From Sabalenka
Sabalenka wasted little time asserting her authority, breaking Zarazua in the opening game of the match. The 25-year-old’s blistering groundstrokes and pinpoint serving proved too much for her opponent to handle as she raced out to a 3-0 lead.
While Zarazua managed to get on the board and keep things competitive in the first set, she had no answers for Sabalenka’s relentless pressure in the second. The world No. 1 reeled off winner after winner, closing out the match with back-to-back aces.
I’m really happy with my performance today. I felt like I was in control from start to finish and played a clean match.
– Aryna Sabalenka
Eyes On The Prize
Sabalenka will be looking to carry this momentum throughout the week in Brisbane as she aims to capture her 16th career singles title. The Belarusian enjoyed a banner 2024 season, winning her maiden Grand Slam at the Australian Open and reaching the top spot in the rankings for the first time.
- Finished 2024 as year-end No. 1 for the first time
- Won 5 titles, including Australian Open and WTA Finals
- Posted a 62-10 win-loss record
If her form in the opening round is any indication, Sabalenka looks primed to pick up right where she left off and establish herself as the player to beat on the women’s tour in 2025. Her powerful game is well-suited to the fast hard courts in Brisbane, where she finished runner-up in 2021.
Blockbuster Showdowns Await
The draw gods have teed up several mouth-watering matchups should the seeds hold in Brisbane. Sabalenka could face world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in the semifinals, while No. 2 seed Ons Jabeur looms as a potential final opponent.
However, the Belarusian will not be looking too far ahead, with several dangerous floaters still standing between her and the trophy. Her next opponent will be the winner of the first-round clash between Americans Amanda Anisimova and Bernarda Pera.
I know that if I bring my best level, I’ll always have a chance against anyone. I’m feeling good and excited for the challenges ahead.
– Aryna Sabalenka
Kyrgios, Djokovic In Action
Sabalenka’s match served as the appetizer for an blockbuster night session featuring two of the ATP’s biggest stars. Nick Kyrgios is set to make his first appearance of the year against rising French talent Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, while 21-time major champion Novak Djokovic kicks off his campaign versus Australian wildcard Rinky Hijikata.
The Aussie-Serbian duo delighted fans on Monday with a straight-sets win in their first-round doubles match – a lighthearted hit that could preview a more serious singles showdown later in the week should both advance to the final.
A Look Ahead
With a stacked field featuring seven of the WTA’s Top 10, the Brisbane International promises to deliver high-quality tennis throughout the week. As the first premier event of the 2025 season, it will set the tone for the Australian summer and provide an early litmus test for the game’s elite.
For Sabalenka, a title run would further solidify her status as the tour’s alpha dog and reaffirm her position as the favorite heading into the year’s first Grand Slam at Melbourne Park. After a statement win to open her campaign, the world No. 1 looks more than ready for the challenge.
