Aryna Sabalenka played yet another solid match at the 2024 Brisbane International to book the final after beating Victoria Azarenka.
It was all Belarus in Brisbane today as Sabalenka took on compatriot Azarenka for a spot in the final of the event. Earlier in the day, Elena Rybakina won her match and advanced to the final, which will now be a repeat of last year's Australian Open final.
That's a great WTA Final to start to year and one that could go either way. When it comes to this one it was far more competitive than Sabalenka's previous match. Part of that is because Azarenka herself played a pretty decent match.
The first set saw Sabalenka jump out to an early lead and simply crush Azarenka from that point on with her tremendous power. She dominated on her serve and didn't allow any break points.
On return, she did enough to create chances and then broke twice to take the set 6-2. The second set was far more competitive as Azarenka stepped up and applied some heavy pressure.
Sabalenka wasn't bad and actually served really well with six aces but she still had to deal with a couple of break points. Saving all three she faced was undoubtedly crucial as it prevented Azarenka from building any kind of real momentum.
Azarenka played the crucial rallies a bit better as well but then allowed a break point in the final game of the set at 5-4, and Sabalenka used it to close out the match, 6-2, 6-4.
A very unfortunate ending to a set where she played really well, but a lesson to be learned for Azarenka. When it comes to Sabalenka, well, she'll have to bring it all against Rybakina tomorrow.
This is the first of many matches this year and a chance for Rybakina to avenge last year's loss from Melbourne.
0 Comments