Sabalenka defeats Andreeva to advance to the Brisbane final

With a 6-3 6-2 triumph over youngster Mirra Andreeva on Saturday, Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the Brisbane International final and moved one step closer to winning her first trophy of the year before defending her Australian Open title later this month.

World No. 1 Sabalenka defeated her 17-year-old Russian opponent, who had shocked the then-ill Belarusian in the French Open quarterfinals seven months prior, after saving five breakpoints in a close opening set.

In her first tournament of the new season, Sabalenka was completely fit and playing at her best. She changed tactics in the second set to take an early break and then cruised through to secure a matchup with Russian Polina Kudermetova in the final on Sunday.

“It’s always the same tactic for me, to stay aggressive and put my opponents under pressure,” said Sabalenka, who finished second in the previous year’s competition.

“I was happy that I could defeat Mirra in that way. Everything appeared to be functioning rather smoothly. She is a fantastic player, and I have a good feeling that she will soon rank among the top 10. I’m pleased with this victory.

Earlier, the 21-year-old Kudermetova continued her incredible run from the qualifying tournament by defeating Anhelina Kalinina of Ukraine 6-4 6-3.

DIMITROV OUT

When the Bulgarian quit due to injury after falling behind Czech Jiri Lehecka 6-4 4-4 on Pat Rafter Arena, Grigor Dimitrov’s championship defense in the men’s tournament came to an end.

In a duel of big servers, Reilly Opelka defeated Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-3 7-6(4), capping up his incredible triumph over Novak Djokovic.

Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi created a real estate investment trust, which debuted on the Spanish market at 57.4 euros per share.

The 6-foot 11-inch (2.11-meter) American, who has struggled with ailments for the past two seasons, overcame a wrist problem in the first set and won a tiebreak in the second to advance to his first final in three years.

Four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka overcame Alycia Parks 6-4 6-2 in another practice tournament before the Australian Open, which takes place from January 12–26. Osaka will now play Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the Auckland Classic final on Sunday.

Osaka is aiming for her first trophy since her victory at Melbourne Park four years ago. She rejoined the WTA Tour twelve months ago after a protracted maternity leave.

According to Osaka, “It’s definitely really important,”

“I’m glad I made it to the final. In fact, I’ve never advanced to the event final the week before Melbourne. For me, this is the first time.

The 27-year-old may anticipate another challenging test after losing to Iga Swiatek in her most recent Miami Open final in 2022.

After defeating first seed Madison Keys 6-4 7-6(7) in a rain-soaked encounter that was prolonged over from Friday, Tauson earlier defeated American Robin Montgomery 6-4 6-3.