World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has laid down an early statement, making it deep into the Brisbane International ahead of the 2026 Australian Open.

She defeated Czech Karolina Muchova in straight sets to advance to the final for the third consecutive time. The Belarusian put on a show on Australian soil at the Pat Rafter Arena, edging her opponent 6-3, 6-4.

Saturday's semifinal win over Muchová was 37th in the 39 games she's played in Australia. She started off the first set with a 3-0. While Muchova’s head-to-head winning percentage (.750) is the best of any with at least three matches against Sabalenka, this time, Aryna Sabalenka turned the tables.

She saved all four break points on her serve and had a 4 match point advantage at the end. “I always try to stay in the present,” Sabalenka told the press.

“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," added the two-time Australian Open winner.

But before she sealed a spot in the semis, Sabalenka defeated the AO 2025 champ

Aryna Sabalenka fell to Madison Keys in last year's Australian Open final. But she defeated the American 6-3, 6-3, hinting at a potential revenge at the upcoming grand slam.

“Doesn't matter if I'm the one who is leading head-to-head against the player or I'm the one who's losing. I don't care. I just try to bring my best tennis, and I'm trying to do better this time," she said after going past Keys.

Sabalenka has also been candid about the toll of the modern WTA tour, calling the season “insane” and emphasizing the need to protect her body.

Despite not winning the 'happy slam' last year, the Australian hard courts still remain Sabalenka's domain. She will face Marta Kostyuk in Sunday's final.

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi