World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka showcased her resilience by overcoming Russian qualifier Polina Kudermetova 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 to claim the Brisbane International title on Sunday.
The 26-year-old Belarusian, preparing to defend her Australian Open crown, shook off a sluggish start to secure her first title of the season at a packed Pat Rafter Arena.
Kudermetova, ranked 107, impressed early by taking the first set, but Sabalenka found her rhythm in the second, using sharp forehands and powerful groundstrokes to dominate the remainder of the match.
“I’m super happy to lift this trophy. It was a tricky match, but I’m glad I got the win,” Sabalenka said.
The victory bolsters Sabalenka’s confidence as she eyes a historic third consecutive Australian Open title, a feat last achieved by Martina Hingis in the late 1990s.
In the men’s final, Czech player Jiri Lehecka clinched the title after American Reilly Opelka retired due to injury while trailing 4-1 in the opening set.
Opelka, returning from nearly two years out with wrist and hip surgeries, had upset Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals but struggled with a wrist issue during his semi-final win.
