As the clock strikes midnight, marking the beginning of 2025, the tennis world is already in full swing. While some top players, like Iga Świątek, are currently competing in the United Cup, others are gearing up for the Australian Open. Aryna Sabalenka, the current world No. 1, is one of them, and she has already made a strong statement in Brisbane.
Competing in the WTA 500 event, Sabalenka was seeded No. 1, which meant she had a bye in the first round. Her first opponent was Renata Zarauza, a Mexican player ranked 75th in the world. Zarauza had a great start to her tournament, defeating higher-ranked Viktória Tomová 6:0, 6:3 in the first round. However, her fortunes changed dramatically when she faced Sabalenka.
In their second-round match, Sabalenka was dominant from the start, racing to a 3:0 lead in the first set. Although Zarauza managed to break back, winning three games in a row, Sabalenka’s superior power and accuracy ultimately prevailed. The Belarusian won the set 6:4 in 36 minutes, with Zarauza pushing her hard.
The second set was a different story altogether. Sabalenka was relentless, breaking Zarauza three times and winning 6:0 in just 29 minutes. This „bagel” – a term used in tennis to describe a 6:0 set – marked the first of the 2025 season.
Sabalenka’s impressive performance earned her a spot in the third round, where she will face Julia Putintseva, ranked 29th in the world. Putintseva defeated McCartney Kessler 6:2, 7:5 in her previous match, and the two players will clash on January 2 at 2:00 AM Polish time.
Sabalenka’s Dominance
Sabalenka’s dominant display in Brisbane is a testament to her hard work and dedication. The 24-year-old Belarusian has been one of the most consistent players in recent years, winning multiple titles and reaching the quarterfinals or better in all four Grand Slam tournaments.
According to the WTA, Sabalenka has a 75% winning percentage on hard courts, making her a formidable opponent on this surface. Her powerful groundstrokes and precise serving have earned her a reputation as one of the most feared players on the tour.
The Road Ahead
As the tennis season kicks off, Sabalenka will be one of the players to watch. With her confidence boosted by her dominant performance in Brisbane, she will be looking to make a deep run in the Australian Open, which starts on January 16.
In the meantime, tennis fans can expect more thrilling matches and dramatic upsets in the WTA 500 event in Brisbane. With top players like Sabalenka, Putintseva, and others in action, the tournament is shaping up to be an exciting start to the 2025 season.
Source:
* WTA website
* Tennis Australia website
* ATP Tour website