BRISBANE — Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one, delivered a powerful statement of intent ahead of the Australian Open by defeating fellow power-hitter Madison Keys 6-2, 6-2 to advance to the semi-finals of the Brisbane International. In a rematch of last year’s US Open semi-final, Sabalenka showcased a near-flawless display of controlled aggression, needing just over an hour to dismantle the American’s challenge and continue her dominant start to the 2024 season.
The Belarusian, who won her maiden Grand Slam title in Melbourne last year, has yet to drop a set in Brisbane and appears in ominous form. Her victory over Keys, the 2022 Brisbane champion, sends a clear message to her rivals that she is the woman to beat as the tour heads to the first major of the year. Sabalenka will now face either Victoria Azarenka or Daria Kasatkina for a place in the final.
A Commanding Start and Unrelenting Pressure
From the opening game, Sabalenka set the tone with her trademark thunderous hitting. She broke Keys’ serve immediately, capitalizing on some early errors from the American. While Keys possesses one of the most formidable first serves and forehands on tour, Sabalenka neutralized them by taking the ball exceptionally early, robbing Keys of precious time and dictating play from the center of the court. The first set was a masterclass in proactive tennis, with Sabalenka winning an impressive 91% of points behind her first serve and not facing a single break point.
Keys, known for her explosive game, struggled to find her range and rhythm against the relentless pressure. Sabalenka’s movement and defensive skills, vastly improved over the past two seasons, were also on full display. She tracked down what would have been winners against most opponents and repeatedly turned defense into offense with stunning efficiency. After securing the first set in just 33 minutes, Sabalenka showed no sign of letting up.
Keys' Frustration and Sabalenka's Focus
The second set followed a similar pattern. Sabalenka broke in the third game, and while Keys managed to create her first—and only—break point of the match in the following game, Sabalenka snuffed it out with a crushing serve out wide. The frustration for the American was palpable as unforced errors continued to flow from her racket, a testament to the disruptive quality of Sabalenka’s depth and power. Sabalenka’s own serve was a fortress, and she closed out the match with a love hold, sealing victory with a confident overhead smash.
In her post-match interview, Sabalenka expressed immense satisfaction with her performance, highlighting the key tactical adjustments she made since their New York encounter. "I think I played really great tennis today," Sabalenka said. "I think the key was that I stayed focused from the beginning to the end. I didn't let her come back into the match. After the US Open, I knew I had to be more aggressive on the return games against her, and I think I did that perfectly today."
Building Momentum for Melbourne
This victory is a significant step in Sabalenka’s preparation for her Australian Open title defense. Her performance in Brisbane has been characterized by a level of consistency and mental fortitude that was sometimes elusive earlier in her career. The aspects of her game that are firing on all cylinders include:
- Serve: A potent and reliable weapon, generating free points and setting up easy forehands.
- Return of Serve: Aggressive positioning and taking returns on the rise, particularly against big servers like Keys.
- Movement: Improved court coverage and balance, allowing her to hit powerfully on the run.
- Emotional Control: Maintaining composure and focus regardless of the scoreline.
Sabalenka’s coach, Anton Dubrov, was seen nodding in approval throughout the match. The work they have put in during the off-season to refine her game and manage the pressures of being the hunted, rather than the hunter, appears to be paying immediate dividends. Sabalenka acknowledged the unique challenge of entering a tournament as the top seed and defending champion elsewhere, stating, "There is always a little bit more pressure, but I’m trying to embrace it. I worked hard for this position, and now I want to prove that I deserve it every time I step on the court."
The Road Ahead in Brisbane and Beyond
With this win, Sabalenka improves her head-to-head record against Keys to 3-1. More importantly, she has cemented her status as the favorite for the Brisbane title. Her potential semi-final opponents present different challenges: two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka offers veteran savvy and similar power, while Daria Kasatkina is a crafty counter-puncher who would test Sabalenka’s patience and point construction. Regardless of the opponent, Sabalenka’s current form suggests she will be incredibly difficult to stop.
For Madison Keys, the search for her first win over a world No. 1 continues. She will look to regroup ahead of the Australian Open, where she has been a finalist in the past. Reflecting on the match, Keys gave full credit to her conqueror: "Aryna played unbelievable today. She was hitting her spots on the serve, returning incredibly well, and just not giving me any free points. When she plays like that, there’s not much you can do."
Conclusion: A Champion in Peak Form
Aryna Sabalenka’s commanding quarter-final victory in Brisbane was more than just a ticket to the semi-finals; it was a declaration. By so comprehensively defeating a top-tier opponent and former champion like Madison Keys, she has demonstrated that her Grand Slam breakthrough was no fluke and that she is arriving in Australia in peak condition. The blend of raw power, strategic intelligence, and steely resolve makes her the undeniable frontrunner not only in Brisbane but as the tour shifts its focus to Melbourne Park. As the Australian Open draws near, Sabalenka’s rivals have been served a formidable warning: the world number one is ready, and she looks hungrier than ever.