World number one Aryna Sabalenka wins Brisbane International without dropping a set, sending a strong message ahead of the Australian Open.
BRISBANE: World number one Aryna Sabalenka delivered a dominant Australian Open warning by winning her second consecutive Brisbane International title.
The Belarusian powered to a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in just 78 minutes on Sunday.
“I think this week I did it really well,” said Sabalenka after a flawless tournament where she did not drop a set.
Looking ahead to Melbourne Park, she stated her focus is to improve on last year’s final loss.
“I’ll do my best to go as far as possible,” Sabalenka said.
Kostyuk’s spectacular run, which included beating three top-10 players, was halted by Sabalenka’s relentless power.
The Ukrainian’s reliable serve faltered, while Sabalenka faced only three break points on her own delivery.
Sabalenka revealed she has successfully added new dimensions to her previously power-centric game.
“I finally found the touch game,” she explained.
“I’m super happy to see that things are clicking together.”
Political tensions were evident, with Kostyuk refusing a handshake due to the war involving Sabalenka’s native Belarus.
The Ukrainian used her runner-up speech to highlight the situation in her homeland.
“I play every day with a pain in my heart,” Kostyuk told the crowd.
Sabalenka said she remains focused solely on her tennis when competing.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s Marta Kostyuk or Jessica Pegula there,” she stated.
Kostyuk later told reporters she is determined to use her platform to keep Ukraine in the public eye.
