Aryna Sabalenka was seemingly very pleased with how the Brisbane International served him this year as she has agreed to return to the tournament in the first week of 2025.
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At the start of the 2024 season, the Belarusian tennis star made her first appearance in Brisbane. And it was a successful debut since the 26-year-old made the final falling short against Elena Rybakina.
After a deep Brisbane run, Sabalenka went on to defend her Australian Open title without a dropped set and she concluded her Australian swing with an 11-1 record.
This week, the organizers of the Australian WTA 500 tournament confirmed that the three-time Grand Slam champion will be competing at the tournament between December 29 - January 05.
World No. 3 Jessica Pegula, who was beaten by the Belarusian in this year's US Open final, was also confirmed to start her 2025 season in Brisbane. It will be the first appearance at the tournament for the 30-year-old American.
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Sabalenka got crushed by Rybakina in the Brisbane final
En route to making the final in her opening tournament of 2024, the world No. 2 didn't drop a single set. But against the Kazakh tennis star, she stood no chance as the 2022 Wimbledon champion claimed a very dominant 6-0 6-3 victory.
At one point, Rybakina even led 6-0 2-0. Afterward, Sabalenka joked and tried to keep it light-hearted but it was clear that she wasn't happy at all with the outcome of the match.
"A couple of words to my team. You did a terrible job today. Wow. 6-0, 6-3. It's all your fault, guys! I honestly don't know where to start. First of all Elena, wow. Thanks at least for those 3 games. We made it look like a fight. Great job, congratulations to you and your team on a great week. And see you in Melbourne," the Belarusian told Rybakina during the trophy presentation.
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However, Sabalenka will have another chance to collect a Brisbane title in late December and early January.
