World number one Aryna Sabalenka came out on top in a thrilling final at the Brisbane International, defeating Russian qualifier Polina Kudermetova 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 to secure her first title of the year. The victory sets Sabalenka on course for her Australian Open title defense, as she looks to build momentum ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year, which begins on 12 January at Melbourne Park.
A Tough Start: Sabalenka’s Struggle in the Opening Set
In the opening set of the final, Sabalenka found herself under pressure early, as Kudermetova, ranked 107th in the world, came out with aggressive play. Sabalenka, who had already made a strong start to the season, dropped her serve twice in the opening set, which allowed Kudermetova to claim a 6-4 lead. It wasn’t the best start for Sabalenka, who had been hoping to get the 2024 season off on the right foot. Despite some uncharacteristic errors, the Belarusian star fought to the end of the set, but Kudermetova’s confidence was evident, and she capitalized on Sabalenka’s mistakes to take the opening frame.
Although she had lost the opening set, Sabalenka wasn’t about to back down. She came out with renewed focus in the second set, displaying a much-improved level of tennis. Kudermetova, who had been dominant in the first set, found herself under pressure right away. Sabalenka started with a strong serve, which had been a key weapon in her arsenal throughout the tournament. Kudermetova was forced to save break points in her opening service game, showing early signs of vulnerability.
Sabalenka’s pressure eventually told. In a key moment of the second set, Sabalenka executed a beautiful drop shot to break Kudermetova’s serve, giving her a 3-2 lead. With the momentum shifting in her favor, Sabalenka dominated the remainder of the set. Kudermetova, who had played with such composure in the first set, now seemed to struggle under the weight of the pressure Sabalenka was applying. The Belarusian finished the set in style, winning 6-3 to level the match at one set all.
The Deciding Set: Sabalenka’s Dominance
The third and final set was where Sabalenka truly showed her class and ability to close out tight matches. A break early in the third set gave her the upper hand, and from there, she controlled the match with confidence. Sabalenka’s power and precision were on full display, and Kudermetova, who had been so strong in the first set, appeared to lose her rhythm. Sabalenka’s serve, which had been inconsistent in the opening set, was now firing on all cylinders, and Kudermetova had little answer to the barrage of heavy groundstrokes being thrown at her.
Sabalenka quickly raced to a 4-1 lead in the third set, and it became evident that she was on her way to her first title of the season. Kudermetova fought hard, but Sabalenka’s experience and mental strength proved to be too much in the end. After a couple of crucial holds of serve, Sabalenka sealed the match 6-2, securing her victory at the Brisbane International.
This victory is a significant one for Sabalenka, not only because it marks her first title of the 2024 season but also because it gives her confidence heading into the Australian Open. Sabalenka lost in last year’s Brisbane final to Elena Rybakina, but she went on to claim her second consecutive Australian Open title. With this victory in Brisbane, she will now look to defend that title and make another strong statement in Melbourne.
Sabalenka’s Title Win: A Step Toward Australian Open Glory
For Sabalenka, lifting the Brisbane trophy provides a perfect boost ahead of the Australian Open. As the reigning champion, Sabalenka is one of the favorites to take home the title once again. Her victory in Brisbane showcases her resilience and ability to bounce back from tough situations. After a rocky start in the opening set, Sabalenka found her groove and delivered a performance that will surely put other players on notice ahead of Melbourne.
Sabalenka’s victory is also a testament to her growth as a player. In previous years, she might have struggled to recover from a difficult first set, but here she showed maturity, maintaining composure and sticking to her game plan. This win demonstrates how much Sabalenka has improved in recent months, making her an even more formidable opponent in the coming weeks.
Naomi Osaka’s Setback at Auckland: Injury Halts Comeback Bid
While Sabalenka was enjoying success in Brisbane, former world number one Naomi Osaka’s return to tennis was cut short in the final of the Auckland Classic. Osaka, who had been sidelined for over a year after giving birth and taking a 15-month break from tennis, was making her first WTA final appearance in three years. She had already taken the first set 6-4 against Denmark’s Clara Tauson and was looking to claim her first title since 2019.
However, Osaka’s comeback was halted when she was forced to retire due to an abdominal injury. She had been struggling with the injury during the match, and after consulting with the physio, Osaka made the difficult decision to withdraw. Tauson, who had been playing well, was awarded her third career title and her first since 2021.
Osaka expressed her gratitude to the Auckland crowd, saying she was grateful for the warm welcome and support. Despite the disappointment of retiring from the final, the Japanese star will take heart from her return to the sport after such a lengthy absence. Her performance in Auckland showed that she is still a dangerous player when fit, and her comeback journey is one to watch in the upcoming season.
Krejcikova’s Withdrawal: Another Injury Concern Ahead of Australian Open
Meanwhile, Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova will miss the Australian Open due to a back injury. Krejcikova, ranked number ten in the world, had been dealing with back issues at the end of last season, and despite her efforts to recover, the injury has not fully healed. Krejcikova expressed her disappointment about missing the Australian Open, as Melbourne holds special memories for her, having reached the quarter-finals there last year.
Krejcikova’s absence is a blow for the tournament, as she is one of the most talented and consistent players on the WTA Tour. However, her health must take priority, and fans will be hoping for a swift recovery so that she can return to action later in the year.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Australian Open
As the 2024 Australian Open draws closer, Aryna Sabalenka’s triumph in Brisbane has given her a boost heading into the tournament. With her experience and impressive form, Sabalenka is among the top contenders for the title in Melbourne. However, she will face strong competition from players like Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, and Jessica Pegula, among others. With the tournament just days away, Sabalenka will look to build on her Brisbane success and continue her strong form into the season’s first Grand Slam.
The Australian Open promises to be an exciting event, with Sabalenka and other top players ready to compete for the prestigious title. As the first major of the year, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the competition will be fierce. For Sabalenka, this year’s Australian Open represents an opportunity to defend her crown and assert her dominance in women’s tennis once again.
