Defending champion and world no. 1 women’s singles female tennis player Aryna Sabalenka has booked her spot in the finals of the Brisbane International 2026 tournament.
On Saturday, January 10, the top-ranked Belarusian defeated Karolina Muchová by sets of 6-3, 6-4, held at the Pat Rafter Arena. This is the third consecutive time that Sabalenka has advanced into the final showdown of the tournament, which will be her 13th WTA 500-level finals match.
Sabalenka will next face Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, who won her spot after defeating fourth seed Jessica Pegula by 6-0, 6-3. This was Kostyuk’s third straight win against a top-10-ranked opponent.
In Australia, Sabalenka has won 36 out of the 38 matches played so far. Her win against Muchova has extended her winning streak in Brisbane to nine matches. She will look to add her second Brisbane International title with her last win in 2025 and a finals appearance in 2024.
Since it’s inaugural edition in 2009, only three women tennis legends have multiple Brisbane International titles. The list includes former world No.1 stars Serena Williams, Karolina Pliskova, and Victoria Azarenka.
In the 2025 Brisbane International finals match, the Belarusian tennis star defeated Russia’s Polina Kudermetova by three sets of 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Earlier in the tournament, Sabalenka defeated Sorana Cirstea by 6-3, 6-3 in the pre-quarterfinals, followed by straight wins overs Madison Keys in the quarterfinals match by 6-3, 6-3.
The Brisbane International, being conducted at the Queensland Tennis Centre, is a door for players in preparing themselves for the upcoming Australian Open, which is scheduled to begin on January 18.
On Sunday, in the Brisbane International finals, Sabalenka will aim to carry her dominant run and credit her semi-finals opponent Muchová in the post-match interview for giving a strong fight.
Sabalenka said, “I always try to stay in the present. I worked really hard and each match against her is just another opportunity to get the win and I’m super happy that today was the day when I was able to get the win. She is such a great player and I always enjoy battles against her.”
Meanwhile, in the men’s section at the Brisbane International, Brandon Nakashima defeated America’s counterpart Aleksandar Kovacevic by sets of 7-6(4), 6-4. Advancing into the finals, Nakashima will then face either top seed Daniil Medvedev or America’s Alex Michelsen. Nakashima will be playing his first ATP Tour final appearance after four years.
