Aryna Sabalenka has made a bold statement ahead of her Australian Open title defense, storming back to win the Brisbane International and extend her reign atop the WTA rankings.
The world No. 1 from Belarus appeared to be in trouble early in Sunday’s final against rising Russian qualifier Polina Kudermetova. After dropping the opening set 4-6, Sabalenka found another gear, reeling off the next two sets 6-3, 6-2 to claim the trophy in just under two hours.
Overcoming Adversity, Evolving Her Game
Facing the unfamiliar position of losing a set, Sabalenka credits her improved mental toughness and tactical versatility for the comeback win. The 26-year-old has been working to round out her power-based style with more finesse.
“I didn’t flinch. I started using my slice, mixing in some drop shots, and I think that made the difference. I’m always trying to add new dimensions.”
– Aryna Sabalenka, in her post-match press conference
Sabalenka hit an astounding 15 aces in the final, but perhaps more impressive was how she problem-solved after a poor serving performance in the first set. She won 65% of first serve points in set one compared to 92% the rest of the way.
Elevating Expectations for Melbourne
As the first Premier-level WTA event of the 2025 season, the Brisbane International is seen as a key tune-up for the year’s first Grand Slam. And with back-to-back Australian Open titles, Sabalenka has become the woman to beat at Melbourne Park.
Despite the mounting pressure, Sabalenka looks primed for a “three-peat” in Melbourne. She dropped just one set all week in Brisbane, seamlessly incorporating new tactics while losing none of her trademark power. It’s a daunting combination for the rest of the field.
“Mentally, technically, physically – I feel like I’m on another level now compared to last year. I can’t wait to defend my title again in Melbourne.”
– Aryna Sabalenka, discussing her Australian Open preparation
Rattling Off the Records
Still just 26 years old, Sabalenka continues to bolster her Hall of Fame credentials. With her latest Brisbane championship, the Belarusian now has:
- 26 WTA singles titles
- 11 Premier/Premier 5 trophies
- 6 Grand Slam championships
- 141 weeks and counting as world No. 1
She’ll head into the 2025 Australian Open as a heavy favorite to keep padding those totals. The women’s field has risen to meet Sabalenka’s blistering standard in recent years, but for the moment, she remains peerless – especially on the Melbourne hardcourts.
Hunting History Down Under
Should Sabalenka secure that third consecutive Australian Open title, she’ll join some rarified air. In the Open Era, only a trio of legends have achieved the “Aussie Three-peat”:
- Margaret Court: 1969-1971
- Evonne Goolagong Cawley: 1974-1976
- Monica Seles: 1991-1993
Sabalenka would be the first in over 30 years to pull off the Melbourne hat trick. But if her latest triumph in Brisbane is any indication, she has her eyes firmly fixed on rewriting the record books once again at Melbourne Park.
