Brisbane, Jan 6: World number one women’s tennis player Aryna Sabalenka secured her 18th career title by winning the Brisbane International on Sunday. The Belarusian defeated Russian qualifier Polina Kudermetova in a hard-fought three-set match, with the final score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.In the men’s final, 21-year-old Czech player Jiri Lehecka claimed his second ATP title after his opponent, Reilly Opelka from the United States, retired due to a wrist injury while trailing 1-4.
Sabalenka’s victory in Brisbane serves as an ideal preparation for the upcoming Australian Open, where she will be aiming to defend her title for the third consecutive year.
The 26-year-old expressed confidence in her game, both mentally and physically, heading into the first Grand Slam of the season.
“I definitely can take a lot of things from this week heading into the Australian Open,” Sabalenka said. “I definitely feel my game is pretty well. Mentally, physically I’ll be ready to go at the Australian Open. Having this trophy going to the major, it’s really important.”
Australia has proven to be a successful hunting ground for Sabalenka, as she has also won titles in Adelaide in addition to her two Australian Open triumphs.