Elena Rybakina recorded a statement win over defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka in the Brisbane International final on Sunday.
It took the world no.4 a little over an hour to wrap up the match 6-0, 6-3 in what was a perfect tune up for the first grand slam of the year, which will commence in Melbourne next week.
Elena Rybakina crushes Aryna Sabalenka at Brisbane International 2024
Rybakina’s demolition of the world no.2 continues her impressive recent form where she has emerged victorious in eight of her past nine matches against the top three players in the world.
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She cruised into the Brisbane final in stellar touch and set the precedent for the contest early as she rolled her way to eight consecutive games against a beleaguered Sabalenka.
The Belarussian, who took a concerning medical timeout during the match due to a hip injury, found herself one set down after just 25 minutes and was unable to get herself into the contest.
"I don’t know where to start … that was an interesting match, great job, thank you for those three games to at least make it look like a fight," Sabalenka smiled post-match.
"Of course, we should have finished this week differently, but I think we showed some great tennis. Hopefully, we’ll do better at the Australian Open."
Elena Rybakina ready for Australian Open run
Attention now turns to the first major tournament of the year, where Rybakina will be hoping to gain revenge on Sabalenka after she won their absorbing clash in the Aus Open final in 2023.
"I’d like to say congrats Aryna for a great week and great season last year and hopefully we meet in Melbourne," Rybakina said.
"Despite the score, it’s always tough to play against you, we always push each other."
A trophy worthy of a smile 😉🏆
— wta (@WTA) January 7, 2024
Elena Rybakina puts on a masterclass against Aryna Sabalenka 6-0, 6-3 to claim career title No.6 in Brisbane!#BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/cN0OiJ3r8E
The 2022 Wimbledon champion is now hunting yet another grand slam victory after her victory over Sabalenka abruptly ended her opponent’s 15-game winning streak on Aussie soil.
When is Australian Open 2024?
Australian Open 2024 will commence on Sunday, January 14 and become a 15-day event for the first time, finishing on Sunday, January 28.