Elena Rybakina delivered a stark reality check to Aryna Sabalenka on Sunday ahead of her Australian Open title defence, securing a dominant 6-0, 6-3 victory in the Brisbane International final.
The world number two and top seed, Sabalenka, entered the match riding a 15-match winning streak in Australia but found herself completely helpless in front of the former Wimbledon champion at Pat Rafter Arena.
Rybakina clinched the first set in just 24 minutes, capitalising on three breaks of serve as Sabalenka, visibly frustrated, committed 12 unforced errors across the Queensland Tennis Centre show court.
Starting the second set with another break, Rybakina continued her control of the match. Despite a more spirited effort from Sabalenka, the Kazakh secured her sixth career title as the Belarusian erred with another forehand wide.
After the match, the two shared the presentation stage where Rybakina congratulated the Belarusian for a great season last week and stated how difficult it was to play against her.
As she went on to congratulate her team, Sabalenka interrupted and said “No congrats [to the team]” which brought great laughter inside the court.
After Sabalenka’s comment, Rybakina turned to the Belarusian’s team and said: “No matter what Aryna says, you’re doing a really good job”
WATCH
Despite the lopsided score, Rybakina acknowledged the tough competition with Sabalenka, emphasising how they push each other to improve.
“I want to congratulate Aryna on a great week and a great season last year and hopefully we will meet again in Melbourne,” the Moscow-born world number four said in the on-court presentation ceremony. “Despite the score, it’s always tough to play you. We push each other, which is great, and we improve in this way so I hope that continues."
The pair split their four meetings last year with two wins apiece, although Sabalenka won the match that mattered most to claim her first Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park.
“I don’t know where to start … that was an interesting match, great job, thank you for those three games to at least make it look like a fight,” Sabalenka laughed post-match. “Couple of words to my team: you did a bad job today – 6-0, 6-3, that’s all your fault guys.
“It is how it is. We showed some great tennis and hopefully, we’ll do better at the Australian Open. I just wanted you (the crowd) to save your energy for the men’s final.”
