Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka looks set to defend her title at this year’s opening Grand Slam with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory over Russian qualifier Polina Kudermetova in the Brisbane International final on Sunday. I made preparations.
Sabalenka is aiming to become the first female player to lift the Australian Open trophy three years in a row since Switzerland’s Martina Hingis won from 1997 to 1999, and is confident at Melbourne Park. I will be heading to
“I’m very happy to lift this trophy,” Sabalenka said.
“It’s a very important tournament leading up to the Australian Open. The final was a little tricky and (both players) hit too much.
“I’m really interested in the average velocity of our shots. It was a great game, so I’m really glad we won.”
The world No. 1 from Belarus lost to Elena Rybakina in last year’s final, then won her second consecutive title at Melbourne Park, but she lost her form against Kudermetva, dropping her second serve and losing the first set. I dropped it.
Kudermetova came under pressure in her service game in the first game of the next set, but the aggressive world No. 107 weathered the storm and began dictating play with strong strikes from the baseline, troubling Sabalenka.
“Her tennis was really great,” Sabalenka said.
“She was really aggressive. She had some variations and used them really well. She definitely deserved to be in the finals. If she keeps working like this, she’ll be in the top 50 soon.” I am sure it will.”
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A delicate drop shot gave Sabalenka a break, and the 26-year-old looked like her usual dominant self for the rest of the set, converting the deciding chances, much to the delight of fans in a packed Pat Rafter Arena. I set it.
Sabalenka reminded herself of her class as she broke in the deciding set with a stunning crosscourt forehand winner and thwarted Kudermetova’s late comeback attempt to claim her first title of the season.
Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka won the Brisbane men’s title late on Sunday after Riley Opelka retired with an injury in the first set.
The American upset former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals, but appeared to be suffering from a wrist problem in his semifinal win over Giovanni Mpesi Pericado.
The 6-foot-11-inch (2.11 m) Opelka finally returned to the elite circuit last season after being sidelined for nearly two years with wrist and hip problems that required surgery.
The Australian Open begins on January 12th.
