Aryna Sabalenka sets up Elena Rybakina final at Brisbane International with win over Victoria Azarenka

Published 06/01/2024 at 11:39 GMT

Women's world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka set up a rematch of the 2023 Australian Open final against Elena Rybakina with a straight-sets victory against Victoria Azarenka. She will take on Rybakina in Sunday's final in the Brisbane International, as the two players prepare for the upcoming Australian Open, where Sabalenka will appear as the defending champion.

‘Important that I came back’ - Swiatek happy with comeback win over Garcia

Aryna Sabalenka will meet Elena Rybakina in the final of the Brisbane International after the Belarusian defeated Victoria Azarenka 6-2 6-4.

Sabalenka is the No. 1 seed at the tournament as she prepares for the Australian Open that she won last year - beating Rybakina in that final.

Sabalenka and Azarenka went toe-to-toe for almost an hour-and-a-half as victory came after 87 minutes for the top seed.

ATP Rome

Are Nadal, Alcaraz, Djokovic playing Italian Open? When does it start?

11 hours ago

After a relatively straightforward first set in which she sent down four aces and 18 winners, as Sabalenka dominated from the baseline in some exacting rallies, the second set was a tougher challenge.

Azarenka saved three break points in her opening two service games in the second set, but Sabalenka responded with a break of her own to claim victory when Azarenka sent a return into the net.

The final is Sabalenka’s first since last season’s US Open final, where she lost to Coco Gauff before being unseated as world No. 1 by Iga Swiatek.

Rybakina came up against Czechia’s Linda Noskova in her own semi-final, with the Kazakhstani player winning 6-3 6-2 in just over an hour’s play.

The No. 2 seed was aided by her impressive serve, and resisted all of the four break points she conceded, with 22 winners and eight aces in her favour.

- - -

Stream top tennis action, including the 2024 Australian Open, live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com

WTA Madrid

'Really excited' Swiatek cruises through to Madrid final, will face Sabalenka

5 hours ago

WTA Madrid

Rybakina downs Sherif to reach Madrid last 16, Sabalenka avoids upset

28/04/2024 at 20:43

WTA Madrid

'Up and down' Sabalenka survives scare to beat Linette, Boulter stunned by teenager Montgomery

26/04/2024 at 19:31

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me