The world’s top-ranked player, Aryna Sabalenka, reached the final of the Brisbane International for the third year in succession, defeating Karolina Muchova 6-3, 6-4.
Sabalenka aims to claim her third Australian Open championship in four years later this month and continued her preparations with a commanding triumph, setting up a final clash against Marta Kostyuk, who overcame fourth seed Jessica Pegula 6-0, 6-3.
Czech player Muchova, who was a French Open finalist in 2023, had emerged victorious in her three previous encounters with Sabalenka.
Nevertheless, Muchova found no effective response to the Belarusian’s formidable power at the Queensland Tennis Centre, and although three chances to close the match eluded her, Sabalenka clinched the win when a shot from Muchova went long.
“I am tremendously happy that today was the day I managed to achieve the win,” Sabalenka commented.
