Sabalenka wins Brisbane title

Wednesday, 8 January 2025 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

World number one Aryna Sabalenka geared up for her Australian Open title defence with victory over Russian qualifier Polina Kudermetova in the final of the Brisbane International.

The 26-year-old from Belarus recovered from dropping her serve twice on her way to losing the opening set to come through 4-6 6-3 6-2 against the world number 107.

Sabalenka lost in last year’s Brisbane final to Elena Rybakina before going on to triumph in the Australian Open for the second time in a row.

The opening Grand Slam of the year begins at Melbourne Park on Sunday, 12 January.

After a less than impressive opening set, Sabalenka began the second set strongly and Kudermetova had to save break points in her opening

service game.

The pressure eventually told, with a drop shot giving Sabalenka the break and a 3-2 lead and she dominated the remainder of the set to force the decider. A break early in the third set left her in control and on the way to her first title of the year.