BRISBANE, Australia — Aryna Sabalenka, currently the world’s top-ranked player, is set to compete in the Brisbane International final for the third consecutive year after defeating Karolina Muchová 6-3, 6-4 in the semifinals on Saturday. This victory was secured at Pat Rafter Arena, with Sabalenka clinching the match on her fourth match point after Muchová’s final shot went long.
“I always try to stay in the present,” Sabalenka shared after her win. “I worked really hard and each match against her is just another opportunity to get the win, and I’m super happy that today was the day when I was able to get the win. She is such a great player, and I always enjoy battles against her.” The Belarusian showcased her impressive form with 32 winners and successfully saving all four break points against her.
Sabalenka will face off against Marta Kostyuk in the final, who earned her spot by defeating fourth-seeded Jessica Pegula 6-0, 6-3. This marks Kostyuk’s third victory in a row against top-10 opponents, improving her record significantly against Pegula, whom she previously faced five times with only one victory.
In the lead-up to the final, Sabalenka demonstrated her aptitude on the court, having recently taken down Madison Keys in a rematch of last year’s Australian Open final with a score of 6-3, 6-3. Last year’s encounter resulted in a Grand Slam title for Keys, but this time, Sabalenka was determined to advance.
The Brisbane International serves as an important preparation event ahead of the Australian Open, which is set to commence on January 18.
In the men’s tournament, Brandon Nakashima triumphed over Aleksandar Kovacevic with a 7-6 (4), 6-4 victory in their semifinal. Nakashima will challenge top-seeded Daniil Medvedev, who defeated Alex Michelsen 6-4, 6-2 to advance. Medvedev, a former world No. 1, aims for his 22nd career title, while Nakashima is seeking his first ATP Tour final in four years, having gone the entire week without losing a set.
Nakashima expressed camaraderie with Kovacevic, stating, “We’re really good friends. We have been practicing a lot the last month or so, and it’s great to see him playing well at these kinds of tournaments. It was a super tough match, right from the beginning.”
As the Brisbane International unfolds, both the women’s and men’s finals promise to deliver exciting matchups and serve as a precursor to the larger stakes of the upcoming Australian Open.