Sabalenka clinches Brisbane International title with straight-sets win over Kostyuk

World number one Aryna Sabalenka successfully defended her Brisbane International title on Sunday, defeating Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 6-3 here at Pat Rafter Arena without dropping a set.

Ukrainian had enjoyed a remarkable run to the final, overcoming top-10 players Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva, and Amanda Anisimova. However, she was unable to match the overwhelming power of the US Open champion.

Belarusian, who lost last year’s Australian Open, has made it clear she is determined to reclaim the title at Melbourne Park.

Her dominant performance in the sweltering Brisbane heat suggests she will be a formidable contender at the first Grand Slam of the year, beginning on 18 January.

Following her victory, Sabalenka paid tribute to her team for their support, lightening the mood with a humorous remark about her own temperament.

"Thank you to my team for handling me. I’m really the toughest one to handle, and you guys are the toughest people in the world if you can handle me," she said.

She also made a playful reference to her personal life, saying: "Thank you to my boyfriend. Hopefully, soon I’ll call you something else, right? Let’s just put a bit of extra pressure on, right?"

Despite a slightly rocky start, Sabalenka’s precise and powerful strokes saw her take the first set 6-3. She then dominated the second, racing to a 3-0 lead.

Even when Kostyuk scored on championship point, Sabalenka held her nerve to secure her 22nd WTA title.

At the Australian Open, Sabalenka will be aiming for her third title Down Under and her fifth Grand Slam overall.