Sabalenka neutralizes Andreeva to join Polina Kudermetova in Brisbane final

Aryna Sabalenka is the overwhelming favorite to win the Brisbane tournament.

The Belarussian, who had no trouble reaching the semi-finals after defeating Zarazua, Putintseva and Bouzkova, saw Mirra Andreeva stand in her way. The world number 1 faced her first real challenge of 2025.

Beaten in the quarter-finals of the French Open by the 17-year-old, Sabalenka was out for revenge despite having won both their previous encounters at Porte d'Auteuil.

In fine form at the start of the season, Sabalenka confirms that she loves playing in Australia.

In 1h30 of play, the two-time Australian Open title-holder wasted no time in winning 6-3, 6-2.

Efficient on her break points (3 converted out of 5), unlike her opponent (1 out of 8), Sabalenka will be aiming for an 18th career title.

To do so, she will have to beat surprise qualifier Polina Kudermetova in the final.

The 107th-ranked player triumphed over Wang Xinyu, Liudmila Samsonova, Daria Kasatkina and Ashlyn Krueger to reach the semi-finals.

At this stage of the competition, the 21-year-old Russian got the better of Anhelina Kalinina (6-4, 6-3) and will be playing for the first title of her career. However, a huge challenge awaits her against Sabalenka.