Friends Aryna Sabalenka and Yulia Putintseva sometimes celebrate personal milestones together.

When their Brisbane showdown got tight, Sabalenka was in no mood for dispensing party favors.

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World No. 1 Sabalenka subdued Putintseva 7-6(2), 6-4 to advance to the Brisbane International quarterfinals for the third straight year.

Sabalenka smacked six aces and saved two of three break points in a quality one hour, 49-minute victory.

It came five days before Putintseva celebrates her 30th birthday—a party Sabalenka said she hopes she's still invited to attend.

"It’s tough to play against a friend, but you know we all want to win the match and on the court we opponents, off the court we are friends," Sabalenka said. "I got an invitation for her birthday celebration next Friday and after the match she said ‘you’re not coming.’

"But I said ‘I’ll make sure I bring you a good gift so you’ll be okay with me’.”



The 2024 Brisbane runner-up to Elena Rybakina, Sabalenka has now reached quarterfinals or better in 13 consecutive tournaments.

Two-time defending Australian Open champion Sabalenka will face Marie Bouzkova for a semifinal spot.

Bouzkova spoiled the prospect of an all-Belarusian AO champion clash between Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka with a 6-4, 6-4 win over the 10th-seeded Azarenka.