Aryna Sabalenka began 2025 in the very best manner, conquering the Brisbane Worldwide and sending a transparent message of defiance to all her rivals, particularly her new pal Iga Swiatek.
The Belarusian dominated in Brisbane, struggling solely within the remaining in opposition to the 21-year-old Russian Polina Kudermetova, who had surprisingly snatched the primary set from her. The three-time Slam champion, nevertheless, remained nicely within the match and – ultimately – she confirmed her superiority.
“I try to focus on myself. I don’t think about what Iga does or how many Grand Slams I’ve won, but I try to work every day and be better. What I would like most in this world is to finish my career and be able to look back feeling proud of what I’ve achieved,” mentioned the Belarusian in a press convention. A victory because of which Aryna elevated the hole on the Polish participant on the prime of the world rankings.
“Today I started badly because I didn’t follow the ideal game plan. I felt uncomfortable with the balls and asked for a racket that was strung with more tension. From there everything improved. The playing conditions in Australia are fantastic for me. I feel very comfortable and full of confidence. I think what brought me to where I am now is my passion for tennis and my work ethic. Everything in my life revolves around this sport, it’s my big priority. I know how to unplug and have fun off the court, I’ve found the perfect balance,” she added.
Aryna Sabalenka© X Brisbane Worldwide – Honest Use
Now Aryna will focus fully on the primary Slam of the yr, the place she’s going to defend the title: “I feel completely prepared physically and mentally. Reaching a Major with a title under your arm is important to face it with confidence.”
The problem between Sabalenka and Swiatek appears unequal in the mean time. Particularly as a result of I see the Belarusian as a extra full tennis participant, on all taking part in surfaces. On a quick floor just like the one in Melbourne, the WTA No.1 should not have any rivals.
Swiatek then – who has by no means discovered wonderful outcomes on the Australian Open – doesn’t have her favourite floor on hard-courts. The one second of the season the place Iga nonetheless appears superior to her rivals appears to be solely the clay-swing. No less than till Sabalenka makes the definitive leap in high quality additionally on that floor.
