By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Friday, January 3, 2024
Photo credit: Chris Hyde/Getty
Before playing for a Melbourne three-peat, Aryna Sabalenka sets her sights on a major mission in Brisbane.
The world No. 1 aims to avenge her stunning 2024 Roland Garros quarterfinal loss to 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva when the pair face off for a spot in the Brisbane final.
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"I'm super happy to be back in Australia. It really feels like home," said Sabalenka, seeking her second straight Brisbane final. "I love the atmosphere. Doesn't matter where you play, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, it's always amazing atmosphere. I'm really happy to be back.
"It's great to start the season, I mean, playing the tournament before the big one. I really hope I can do well here and I can come back really strong in Melbourne."
Theoretically, the blue hard-court should help two-time defending Australian Open champion Sabalenka finish points more effectively.
On the red clay of Paris last summer, the then 38th-ranked Andreeva Andreeva upset Sabalenka 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4 to reach her maiden major semifinal.
Sabalenka, who struggled physically for most of the match with an apparent stomach issue, appeared on the verge of gritting out the tough victory. Yet the credit has to go to Andreeva for holding her ground and not being overwhelmed by the whole moment.
Andreeva's stunning upset snapped Sabalenka's 23-set Grand Slam winning streak.
This will be the third overall meeting between the pair and their first on hard court. Sabalenka has captured 15 of her 17 career championships on hard courts, including three Grand Slam titles.