World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka began her 2024 season with a solid straight-set victory over Mexico’s Renata Zarazua at the Brisbane International. The Belarusian, who had received a bye in the first round, faced an early challenge but found her rhythm to claim a 6-4, 6-0 win in just 65 minutes. The match, while beginning with a few bumps, served as an effective start to Sabalenka’s preparations for the upcoming Australian Open, where she is aiming to win a third consecutive title.
Sabalenka began the match with a strong 3-0 lead in the first set, but Zarazua fought back, winning three consecutive games to level the score at 3-3. However, Sabalenka regained control and took a crucial break at 5-4, sealing the first set with a hard-fought 6-4 win. The momentum shifted firmly in Sabalenka’s favor during the second set, as she dominated Zarazua, not allowing her opponent to win a single game. The second set ended with a commanding 6-0 scoreline, completing the win with ease.
The victory marked an important moment for Sabalenka, who is starting 2024 as the world’s top-ranked player for the first time in her career. Despite the sluggish start in the opening set, she expressed satisfaction with her performance. "The first match is always a tricky one," she said after the win. "It was a tricky start for me, but I'm glad that I closed it out in the first set. In the second set, I felt like whatever I tried to do, it would work for me. So, I'm really happy for the first win of the season."
Last year, Sabalenka made it to the final in Brisbane, where she was defeated by Elena Rybakina. However, she will be looking to go one step further this year as she continues to build form heading into the Australian Open. In the next round, Sabalenka will face Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva, who advanced after a tough win in her opening match.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur also advanced to the next round with a comfortable 6-3, 6-2 victory over Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova. Sabalenka and Jabeur’s wins set the stage for an exciting remainder of the Brisbane International as both players continue their preparations for the first Grand Slam of the season.
For Sabalenka, this victory is just the beginning of what could be another big year. With her powerful game and mental fortitude, she will be looking to assert her dominance once again in 2024, both in Brisbane and at the Australian Open.
