World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka showcased her resilience and firepower at the Brisbane International, overcoming 17-year-old rising star Mirra Andreeva in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, to book her spot in the final. While the scoreline suggests a dominant performance, the match was anything but straightforward for the Belarusian, who faced constant pressure from the fearless teenager.
A Closer Look at the Match
First Set: Sabalenka Weathers the Storm
Andreeva came out swinging, applying relentless pressure on Sabalenka’s serve and creating three break-point opportunities in the opening game. However, the Belarusian’s big-match experience shone through as she held her nerve to save them. The pattern repeated in the seventh game, with Andreeva unable to capitalize on another break-point chance.
Sabalenka seized her opportunity in the eighth game, earning the crucial break to lead 5-3. Even then, Andreeva pushed back, creating another break-point chance, but Sabalenka’s aggressive style paid dividends as she closed out the first set.
Second Set: Sabalenka’s Precision Prevails
The second set mirrored the first, with Andreeva continuing to create chances but failing to convert three more break points in the second and fourth games. Sabalenka, on the other hand, remained clinical, breaking the teenager’s serve in the third and seventh games to seal the victory.
“It’s always the same tactic for me: stay aggressive and put my opponent under so much pressure,” Sabalenka explained after the match. “I’m really glad that against Mirra I was able to play such aggressive tennis. Seems like everything was working really well for me.”
Sabalenka’s Praise for Andreeva
Despite the victory, Sabalenka was quick to acknowledge the talent and potential of her young opponent.
“She’s an amazing, young player. I’m pretty sure she’s going to be Top 10 soon and for so long,” Sabalenka said, offering high praise for the 17-year-old Russian, whose fearless performance has already made waves on the WTA Tour.
The Final Test: Sabalenka vs. Kudermetova
Sabalenka now faces qualifier Polina Kudermetova, ranked world No. 107, in the Brisbane International final. Kudermetova has defied the odds with a stunning run, winning seven matches—including two in qualifying and five in the main draw—to reach her first WTA 500 final.
This will be the first meeting between Sabalenka and the 21-year-old Russian. As the heavy favorite, Sabalenka will look to maintain her aggressive style to capture the first title of the season. However, Kudermetova’s momentum and underdog spirit could make her a formidable opponent.
A Chance to Set the Tone for 2025
For Sabalenka, a victory in Brisbane would be the perfect way to kick off her 2025 campaign. As the reigning world No. 1, she carries the pressure of defending her position at the top of the rankings. A win here would reaffirm her dominance and set the stage for a successful year.