Aryna Sabalenka eased into the Brisbane International 2025 final with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over teenager Mirra Andreeva on Saturday, taking a step closer to her first trophy in 2025.
The in-form World No.1, fired on all cylinders and saved five break points to edge a tight opening set against her 17-year-old Russian opponent, who had got the better of the then-ailing Belarusian in the French Open 2024 quarterfinals.
She shifted gears in the second set to clinch an easy victory and set-up Sunday’s final against Russian Polina Kudermetova.
“It’s always the same tactic for me, to stay aggressive and put my opponents under pressure,” said Sabalenka, runner-up at the tournament last year.
“I was glad I was able to do that against Mirra. It seemed like everything was working really well. She’s an amazing player, and I’m pretty sure she’s going to be in the top 10 very soon. I’m happy to get this win.”
Reilly Opelka continued on his fine run after knocking out Novak Djokovic to clinch a 6-3, 7-6 (4) victory over Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a battle of big servers.
The 6’11 American has shrugged off injuries in the last two season
In another semi-final, Grigor Dimitrov’s title defense was cut short due to an injury which forced the Bulgarian out while he was trailing 4-6, 4-4 against Czech Jiri Lehecka on Pat Rafter Arena.