Aryna Sabalenka retains Brisbane title; sends a strong message ahead of Australian Open

Having won all five matches played at Brisbane Open without dropping a set, Aryna Sabalenka proved her dominance in both competition and fitness. The 27-year-old displayed extraordinary skill as she defeated Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 6-3 in less than 78 minutes in the final."Every day you go out there and prove your level, and I think this week I did it really well," said Sabalenka after a tournament in which she powered to the title with ease.

"The only thing I know is that I'll be there, I'll be fighting," she said about the year’s first Grand Slam at Melbourne Park.Having won the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024, Sabalenka has now established herself as one of the leading contenders heading into the Australian Open.

With her performance this week in Brisbane, she is clearly sending a message with regards to her competitive readiness and potential to peak at just the correct time.Kostyuk, who is currently ranked 26th in the world, reached the finals after having an amazing run through the tournament, beating three players that are ranked in the top 10.However, she was no match for Aryna Sabalenka's tremendous power and precision and improved variety of shots.

The Belarusian faced only three break points throughout the whole match, with her serve (one of her most effective weapons for a long time) being almost impossible for Kostyuk to defend against. Kostyuk's decision to not shake hands with Sabalenka after the final raised other issues beyond just tennis."I play every day with a pain in my heart and there are thousands of people who are without light and warm water right now," Kostyuk said.

"It's minus 20 degrees outside and it's very painful to live this reality every day."On the other hand, Sabalenka was clearly more interested in her tennis than in the off-the-court issues surrounding Kostyuk. "It's their position, what can I do?" Sabalenka asked."When I go out there, I think about my tennis and the things I have to do to get the win. It doesn't matter if it's Marta Kostyuk or Jessica Pegula there. I have nothing to prove. I go there and I just compete as an athlete."