Sabalenka fires warning with Brisbane domination

WORLD number one Aryna Sabalenka warmed up for a tilt at a third Australian open title in four years in ominous fashion by winning her second successive Brisbane International crown yesterday.

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Sabalenka scored a dominant 6-4, 6-3 win over Marta Kostyuk in just 78 minutes.

“Every day you go out there and prove your level, and I think this week I did it really well,” said Sabalenka after a tournament in which she powered to the title without dropping a set.

Looking ahead to the Australian Open, which began yesterday, Sabalenka said: “The only thing I know is that I'll be there, I'll be fighting.”

Sabalenka lost in the Melbourne Park final last year to Madison Keys, having been Australian Open champion in 2023 and 2024.

“I'll do my best to go as far as possible,’ said Sabalenka. “And do a little bit better than last year. That's my focus.”

Kostyuk, the world number 26, had enjoyed a spectacular week, beating three top 10 players on the way to the final.