MATCH REPORT | 2024 Brisbane International: Elena RYBAKINA crushes Aryna SABALENKA with dominant performance in straight-sets

Elena Rybakina claimed the Brisbane International trophy after dominating Aryna Sabalenka with a score of 6-0, 6-3. With this victory, Rybakina returns to her highest ranking as the world No. 3, surpassing Coco Gauff and trailing only Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.

Rybakina and Sabalenka contested their eighth match in a rivalry that was 5-2 in favor of the Belarusian. The Brisbane final was a rematch, nearly a year after the 2023 Australian Open final, where Aryna Sabalenka secured the win (4-6, 6-3, 6-4) and her first Grand Slam title. Two months later, they faced off again in another final, this time at Indian Wells, and Elena Rybakina claimed the title (7-6, 6-4).

The Kazakh tennis player had no issues on her way to the final, losing just 12 games and not dropping her serve throughout the tournament. Her opponents en route were Olivia Gadecki (6-4, 6-1), the 13th seed Elise Mertens (6-1, 6-0), the 11th seed Anastasia Potapova (6-1, retirement), and the 19-year-old young star Linda Noskova in the semifinals (6-3, 6-2).

Sabalenka also displayed dominance over her rivals during the tournament, securing several comfortable victories against notable opponents. In the first round, she eliminated Lucia Bronzetti (6-3, 6-0). In the round of 16, she defeated the 15th seed Zhu Lin (6-1, 6-0). In the quarterfinals, she prevailed against the 5th seed Daria Kasatkina (6-1, 6-4), and in the semifinals, she overcame the former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka (6-2, 6-4).

In the first set, Rybakina showcased her excellent serving, dictating the pace of the game. The world No. 4 secured a quick break in the second game, taking a 3-0 lead over Sabalenka, who struggled to respond to the return on her second serve. Rybakina capitalized on the issues in Sabalenka's service, securing two more consecutive breaks and ultimately winning the set 6-0 in just 25 minutes. The frustration was evident on the face of the Belarusian, who had low effectiveness on both first serve (31%) and second serve (43%) and failed to trouble Rybakina on her service, winning only four points on the return.

In the second set, Rybakina again earned a break and won her eighth consecutive game to take a 2-0 lead. However, Sabalenka secured a break in the third game, bringing her back into the match. It was the first time Rybakina lost a service game in the tournament. Rybakina managed to break back in the fourth game and then, through her serving, closed out the match in consecutive sets with a score of 6-0, 6-3.

This marks Rybakina's sixth title in fifteen finals contested, claiming a trophy for the third consecutive year. The Kazakh will also rise to world No. 3, surpassing Coco Gauff. The next challenge for both players will be at the Australian Open, where Sabalenka is the second seed, and Rybakina is the 4th seed.