Aryna Sabalenka has stormed into the new season with a statement of intent, clinching the Brisbane Open title in emphatic fashion. The world number two showcased her formidable form, winning the tournament without conceding a single set, a feat that underlines her dominance and supreme fitness.
Flawless Victory in the Final
In the championship match, Sabalenka faced Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk and delivered a masterclass in power tennis. The 27-year-old Belarusian wrapped up a convincing victory with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-3 in just 78 minutes. This win marks a perfect start to her 2024 campaign, sending a clear warning to her rivals ahead of the year's first Grand Slam.
Reflecting on her dominant week, Sabalenka said, "Every day you go out there and prove your level, and I think this week I did it really well." When asked about the upcoming Australian Open, she affirmed her competitive spirit: "The only thing I know is that I'll be there, I'll be fighting."
A Formidable Force for Melbourne
With back-to-back Australian Open triumphs in 2023 and 2024, Sabalenka has firmly established herself as the player to beat at Melbourne Park. Her performance in Brisbane, where she dismantled every opponent with ease, demonstrates she is peaking at the perfect time. Her serve was particularly devastating against Kostyuk, saving all three break points she faced.
While Sabalenka's focus remains squarely on the court, the final was not without its poignant moments. Kostyuk, who had a stellar run to the final beating three top-10 players, chose not to participate in the traditional post-match handshake. The world number 26 later explained her decision, citing the ongoing conflict in her homeland. "I play every day with a pain in my heart... It's minus 20 degrees outside and it's very painful to live this reality every day," Kostyuk stated.
Focus on the Game
Sabalenka, when questioned about the off-court context, maintained her professional stance. "It's their position, what can I do?" she remarked. "When I go out there, I think about my tennis and the things I have to do to get the win. It doesn't matter if it's Marta Kostyuk or Jessica Pegula there. I have nothing to prove. I go there and I just compete as an athlete."
This clinical mindset, combined with her unmatched power and improved shot variety, makes Aryna Sabalenka the undisputed favourite as the tennis world turns its eyes to the Australian Open. Her Brisbane Open triumph is more than just a title win; it is a declaration of her readiness to chase a historic three-peat in Melbourne.
