Sabalenka books third straight Brisbane final as Australian open build-up continues

World number one Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the final of the Brisbane International for a third consecutive year after a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Karolina Muchova, Sport360NG reports.

The Belarusian, who is targeting a third Australian Open crown in four seasons, delivered another authoritative performance to maintain her momentum ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam. Her win sets up a title match against Marta Kostyuk, who dismantled fourth seed Jessica Pegula 6-0, 6-3 in the other semi-final.

Muchova, the 2023 French Open runner-up, had won their previous three meetings, but was unable to cope with Sabalenka’s sustained power at the Queensland Tennis Centre. Although Sabalenka missed three match points, she closed out the contest when Muchova sent a forehand long.

Sabalenka said she was pleased to finally turn the tables on the Czech. “She’s a great player and our matches are always tough,” she said. “I’m happy I managed to get the win today.”

The top seed has yet to drop a set in four career meetings with Kostyuk, the world number 26. Sunday’s final will be Sabalenka’s last competitive outing before the Australian Open begins on 18 January, running through to 1 February.

Switzerland Reach United Cup Final for First Time

Switzerland booked a maiden appearance in the United Cup final after edging Belgium 2-1 in Sydney.

The tie was decided in the mixed doubles, where Belinda Bencic and Jakub Paul overcame Elise Mertens and Zizou Bergs 6-3, 0-6, 10-5 in a match tie-break at Ken Rosewall Arena. Bencic had earlier levelled the contest by defeating Mertens in a closely fought three-set singles match.

The Olympic champion remains unbeaten across eight matches in United Cup competition. “I felt a lot of pressure today,” Bencic said. “I really didn’t want to let the team down.”

Switzerland will meet either the United States or Poland in the final. The USA are the defending champions, having beaten Poland in last year’s decider.