Can anyone stop Sabalenka? It will take a bold, brave and fearless player to step up
Even in defeat, an underdog in Brisbane may have shown something of a blueprint to conquer the world’s best. But even then, it comes with risk.
- Analysis
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There will be no denying Aryna Sabalenka’s standing as favourite to clinch a third Australian Open mantle, but even the world No.1 has issued a warning to the contingent of hopefuls hunting her place on the podium: she is far from the finished product.
The Belarus powerhouse was unstoppable in launching her year at the Brisbane International, not dropping a set all week as she conquered Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 6-3 in Sunday’s final.
All tournament she lost just 27 games to defend her crown on Pat Rafter Arena, with her back-court ferocity and speed on serve – among the fastest on tour – on show throughout.
Aryna Sabalenka celebrates during her Brisbane International triumph.Credit: Getty Images
Yet, there were signs of deft touches that threw those who opposed her off their rhythm at times, an indication this is perhaps the most complete her game has been in her career.
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Her clinical quarter-final triumph of reigning Australian Open queen Madison Keys – who defeated Sabalenka in the Melbourne final last year – was a masterclass, while Kostyuk was eventually overpowered come the Brisbane decider.
But Sabalenka hinted she had more gears to hit before launching her grand slam campaign.
“This is something I’ve been working on my whole life, but it had never really worked for me,” she said when asked if she had been making conscious efforts to add softer touches to her repertoire.
“But a couple of years ago, I finally found the touch game. I changed my game style –now I’m not only the aggressive player, I can play the net, I can be in defence, I can use my slice, and that’s something I’ve been working my whole career to have that variety in my game.
“There are so many things I can improve at, and that’s the beauty of sport – there’s always that little per cent or room for improvement. I definitely feel really great about my game, but I also know there are a lot of things to improve and work on.”
The victor appeared to kiss both her biceps after the winning point. However, she dismissed the notion it was a cheeky counter to Kostyuk’s “out of context” comments made last year about some players possessing higher levels of testosterone.
