World number one Aryna Sabalenka has delivered a powerful statement ahead of the Australian Open, capturing her second consecutive Brisbane International title in commanding fashion on Sunday. The Belarusian star showcased her top form with a confident 6-4, 6-3 victory over Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, sealing the match in just 78 minutes.
Sabalenka’s performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of ominous for her rivals. She powered her way to the title without dropping a single set, underlining her readiness for another deep run in Melbourne.
“Every day you go out there and prove your level, and I think this week I did it really well,” Sabalenka said after lifting the trophy, reflecting on a week in which she dominated from start to finish.
With the Australian Open set to begin next Sunday, Sabalenka made it clear that her focus is firmly on reclaiming the title she has already won twice. The 26-year-old is chasing a third Australian Open crown in four years, having triumphed in 2023 and 2024 before falling short in last year’s final.
“The only thing I know is that I’ll be there, I’ll be fighting,” she said. “I’ll do my best to go as far as possible and do a little bit better than last year. That’s my focus.”
Last year in Melbourne, Sabalenka was denied a historic hat-trick after losing the final to Madison Keys, a result that appears to have sharpened her motivation heading into this season’s first Grand Slam.
Despite the loss, Marta Kostyuk, currently ranked world number 26, can take positives from an impressive week in Brisbane. She reached the final after defeating three top-10 players, marking one of the strongest runs of her career.
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