World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka overcame a surprising first-set stumble to defeat qualifier Polina Kudermetova in a thrilling 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory at the 2025 Brisbane International final, kicking off her season with a hard-earned title.
A Tournament Full of Upsets
Sabalenka entered Brisbane as the overwhelming favorite, especially with defending champion Elena Rybakina absent from the draw. Early exits by top-seeded players, including Emma Navarro, Paula Badosa, and Jelena Ostapenko, left the door wide open for other competitors.
One player who seized the opportunity was the unseeded Polina Kudermetova, ranked No. 107. The Russian qualifier battled through two rounds of qualifying and an incredible main-draw run, defeating higher-ranked opponents such as Daria Kasatkina and Anhelina Kalinina to reach her maiden WTA 500 final.
The Final Showdown: A Tale of Two Halves
First Set: Kudermetova Stuns Sabalenka
The final began as many expected, with Sabalenka asserting her dominance early by taking a 3-1 lead and creating chances to extend her advantage. But Kudermetova, showing remarkable composure, saved multiple break points and mounted a comeback.
The qualifier’s resilience turned the tide as she broke Sabalenka twice, including in a pivotal final game, to claim the first set 6-4, leaving the Belarusian visibly frustrated.
Second Set: Sabalenka Regroups
Sabalenka recalibrated her strategy in the second set, raising her level of aggression and consistency. Although Kudermetova had an opportunity to break for a 3-1 lead, Sabalenka fought back, eventually securing a crucial break to take the set 6-3 and force a decider.
Third Set: Sabalenka’s Ruthless Finish
Sabalenka came out firing in the final set, racing to a 3-0 lead after dominating the opening games. Despite a brief hiccup when Kudermetova broke back late in the set, the world No. 1 proved too strong. She broke Kudermetova once more to close out the match 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
A Hard-Fought Title for Sabalenka
With this win, Sabalenka claimed her first title of the 2025 season, adding to her growing collection of trophies. The victory also reaffirmed her status as the player to beat on the WTA Tour, showcasing her resilience in high-pressure moments.
“It wasn’t an easy match, but I’m really proud of the way I stayed focused and fought back after the first set,” Sabalenka said after the match. “Polina played incredible tennis, and it’s clear why she made it this far.”
Kudermetova’s Breakthrough Run
For Kudermetova, the tournament was a breakthrough moment. Despite falling short in the final, the 21-year-old qualifier demonstrated incredible poise and potential, making her a player to watch in the 2025 season.
Looking Ahead
Sabalenka’s win in Brisbane sets a strong tone for the season as she prepares for the Australian Open, where she will look to carry her momentum and cement her dominance as the world’s top player. Meanwhile, Kudermetova’s inspiring run in Brisbane signals that her rise up the rankings could be just beginning.