Sabalenka keeps hold of her Brisbane title

WORLD NO.1 DROPS NO SETS ON WAY TO VICTORY

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Aussie rulers... Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus poses with the winner's trophy after taking the Brisbane International; below, Poland pose for a photo after winning the United Cup in Sydney

(AP PHOTO/ TERTIUS PICKARD)

ARYNA Sabalenka defended her Brisbane International title with a straight-sets victory over Marta Kostyuk in the final.

The world number one completed a 6-4 6-3 victory in one hour and 18 minutes to seal a 22nd career title.

Sabalenka said: “I want to start with congratulating Marta and her team on an incredible start to the season.

“I hope that we're going to meet each other many more times in the finals to show great tennis.”

“Every day you go out there and prove your level, and I think this week I did it really well,” added Sabalenka, who did not drop a set in the tournament.