BRISBANE — The world’s top-ranked player, Aryna Sabalenka, has sent a thunderous message to her rivals ahead of the Australian Open, capturing her third Brisbane International title with a commanding 6-4, 6-3 victory over Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk on Saturday night. In a masterful display of power and precision, the Belarusian powerhouse showcased the formidable form that propelled her to her maiden Grand Slam crown in Melbourne last year, leaving little doubt that she is the woman to beat when the season’s first major begins next week.
Sabalenka’s triumph at Pat Rafter Arena marks a perfect start to her 2024 campaign, extending her winning streak in Brisbane to a perfect 12-0. She previously won the title in 2020 (shared with Karolina Pliskova due to rain) and in 2021. This latest victory, however, feels particularly significant. It represents her first title as the undisputed world No. 1 and serves as a powerful statement of intent, proving that the confidence gained from her Australian Open breakthrough has only solidified her dominance. "It’s been an amazing week," Sabalenka said after the match.
A Battle of Intensity and Power
The final pitted two of the tour’s most aggressive ball-strikers against each other, promising—and delivering—a high-octane contest of minimal rallies and maximum force. The 21-year-old Kostyuk, playing in her first WTA 500 final and ranked 52nd in the world, started with fearless intent, matching Sabalenka’s firepower from the baseline. The opening games were tightly contested, with both women holding serve comfortably until the crucial seventh game. With Kostyuk serving at 3-3, Sabalenka elevated her intensity, unleashing a series of punishing returns to earn two break points. She converted the second with a crushing forehand winner, seizing the initiative she would never relinquish.
Sabalenka’s serve, a weapon that has become increasingly reliable, was the cornerstone of her performance. She fired 8 aces and won an impressive 84% of points behind her first serve in the opening set, giving Kostyuk no opportunity to gain a foothold in the return games. She closed out the first set 6-4 with a hold to love, punctuated by a 177 km/h ace—a signature exclamation point. Reflecting on her improved consistency, Sabalenka noted, "I think last year I showed that I can play consistently on a high level, and I think this is what changed for me."
Sabalenka Shuts the Door in Second Set
Any hopes of a Kostyuk fightback were swiftly extinguished at the start of the second set. Sabalenka, sensing the moment, applied immediate pressure and broke the Ukrainian’s serve in the opening game. The pattern of the match became firmly established: Sabalenka’s relentless depth and power forced Kostyuk into defensive positions, leading to errors or short balls that the world No. 1 would punish mercilessly. While Kostyuk continued to fight, showcasing her own athleticism and flashy shot-making, she could not sustain the level needed to disrupt Sabalenka’s rhythm.
A second break in the fifth game of the second set, engineered with a blistering cross-court backhand, gave Sabalenka a 4-1 lead and put the title firmly within her grasp. To her credit, Kostyuk saved two championship points on her own serve at 2-5, displaying grit to force Sabalenka to serve it out. There would be no drama, however. Fittingly, Sabalenka sealed the championship after one hour and 20 minutes with another unreturnable serve, raising her arms in triumph before sharing a warm embrace with her opponent at the net.
A Blueprint for Melbourne Success
This Brisbane title run provides a near-perfect blueprint for Sabalenka’s Australian Open defense. She navigated a tough draw without dropping a set, defeating Lucia Bronzetti, Lin Zhu, Daria Saville, and Victoria Azarenka before overcoming Kostyuk. More importantly, she demonstrated a complete and controlled game:
- Dominant Serve: Consistently setting up easy points and bailing herself out of rare tight situations.
- Crushing Groundstrokes: Her forehand and backhand were relentless weapons from all areas of the court.
- Improved Composure: Managing pivotal moments with the calm of a proven champion.
The victory also underscores a key psychological shift for Sabalenka. "I just feel like I really believe in myself, and I really believe that no matter who I’m facing on the court, I’m able to get this win," she stated in her post-match press conference. This self-belief, forged in the crucible of Grand Slam victory, was palpable throughout the week in Brisbane and separates the current Sabalenka from the talented player who previously struggled with nerves in major finals.
Kostyuk’s Promising Start to 2024
For Marta Kostyuk, the week in Brisbane was a resounding success despite the final result. She scored impressive wins over former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova, reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, and the in-form Mirra Andreeva to reach the final. Her run will see her re-enter the world’s top 40 and confirms her status as one of the most dangerous and exciting young players on tour. "It’s my first final at this level, and I’m very happy with the way I played this week," Kostyuk said, gracious in defeat.
Her performance, blending explosive power with clever variety and tenacious defense, suggests she is poised for a significant breakthrough in 2024. The experience of playing a world No. 1 in a final will prove invaluable as she continues her ascent. "Aryna was just too good today," Kostyuk admitted. "She played amazing. I think I can learn a lot from this match."
The Road to Australian Open Glory
As the tennis world’s focus shifts to Melbourne Park, Aryna Sabalenka arrives not just as the defending champion, but as the unequivocal favorite. The Brisbane International has served as the ideal launchpad, allowing her to fine-tune her game and build unstoppable momentum. The question for her rivals—including the returning Naomi Osaka, the ever-present Iga Swiatek, and the reigning US Open champion Coco Gauff—is clear: who can possibly withstand the Sabalenka onslaught in its current form?
Sabalenka herself is embracing the pressure that comes with the top seeding. "It’s always tough to defend a title, but I’m just trying to focus on myself, on my game, and make sure that every time I step on the court, I’m better than I was before," she said. With the trophy in Brisbane secured and her confidence soaring, Aryna Sabalenka has powerfully announced that her reign at the top of women’s tennis is far from over. The message to the field is as clear as the sound of her thunderous groundstrokes: she is ready to fight to keep her Australian Open crown.