Aryna Sabalenka says she is thrilled with her level going into the Australian Open and warned her rivals that she is feeling "confident" and ready to do big things again at Melbourne Park.
On Sunday, the top-seeded Belarusian clinched her first title of the new season after coming back from a set down to beat qualifier Polina Kudermetova 4-6 6-3 6-2 in the Brisbane International final.
At the WTA 500 tournament in Brisbane, the world No. 1 also clinched straight-set wins over Renata Zarazua, Yulia Putintseva, Marie Bouzkova and Mirra Andreeva.
Following a 5-0 start to 2025, Sabalenka was asked if she felt happy with how her opening tournament of the year went.
"I definitely can take a lot of things from this week heading into the Australia Open. I definitely feel my game pretty well. Mentally, physically I'll be ready to go at the Australia Open. Really happy with the way the week went. Yeah, having this trophy going to the major, it's really important," she answered.
Sabalenka: I feel comfortable there and I'm just super excited
When the Australian Open starts, the Belarusian tennis star will be aiming to complete a three-peat at Melbourne Park.
And considering her current form, it is probably fair to say that she is the No. 1 favorite to win the opening Grand Slam of the season.
"I definitely feel confident in my game. I'm just excited. I love playing there. I love to fight for my dream. That's the conditions where I feel really comfortable in. I'm just super exciting heading to the Australia Open," Sabalenka added.
In 2023, the 26-year-old lost just one set en route to winning the Happy Slam.
Last year, she didn't drop a single set in Melbourne.
It remains to be seen if Sabalenka can again win seven matches in Melbourne and win her third consecutive Australian Open title.
