Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka has once again stamped her authority at the Brisbane International, powering past Karolina Muchova in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, to book her place in the final for the third consecutive year. The world number one, fresh off a convincing victory over reigning Melbourne Park champion Madison Keys, came into Saturday's semi-final brimming with confidence—and it showed from the very first game.
Sabalenka’s journey at this year’s Brisbane International has been nothing short of impressive. Starting her season with a bang, she has barely put a foot wrong, dispatching formidable opponents and showcasing the aggressive, high-octane tennis that has made her a four-time Grand Slam champion. But standing across the net on January 10, 2026, was Karolina Muchova—a player who, until this match, had held a psychological edge over Sabalenka, boasting a 3-1 career head-to-head record and three consecutive victories in their previous encounters.
Muchova’s inventive style and tactical prowess have often troubled the Belarusian in the past. Their rivalry dates back to 2019, when Sabalenka claimed victory in their first meeting at the WTA Elite Trophy. However, subsequent clashes—including the 2023 French Open semifinal, and meetings in Cincinnati and Beijing—saw Muchova emerge victorious, each time in hard-fought battles. Heading into this semi-final, many wondered: would Muchova’s streak continue, or could Sabalenka finally turn the tables?
From the outset, Sabalenka made her intentions clear. She broke Muchova’s serve in just the second game, immediately putting her opponent on the back foot. With a mixture of baseline power and deft touch, Sabalenka dictated the tempo, culminating the first set with a thunderous backhand winner that brought the Pat Rafter Arena crowd to its feet. The Belarusian’s relentless aggression was matched by moments of sportsmanship, as she applauded Muchova for several breathtaking shots—a gesture that did not go unnoticed by fans or commentators.
"Yeah, she’s incredible. There were some points when she overplayed and played incredibly, so I had to just, yeah, applause for that," Sabalenka said in her post-match press conference. "I struggled against her a couple of times. I’m happy that today I was focused from the beginning and I was able to show such a great tennis and put her under so much pressure and got the win in straight sets. That’s just super great."
Muchova, for her part, did not go down without a fight. The Czech star threatened repeatedly in the second set, earning break points across three separate games. Yet, Sabalenka’s steely resolve held firm. Serving at 5-4, she finally closed out the match on her fourth match point, letting out a roar of triumph as she celebrated a victory that was as much about mental fortitude as it was about physical prowess.
"There were a lot of close misses at the end of the second set, but I’m super happy to close this match in straight sets," Sabalenka told reporters. "She’s a great opponent and I knew that if I gave her that opportunity in the last games, she would take it, and it would be a bit trickier to play. I’m super happy I got the win."
This win was particularly sweet for Sabalenka, as it snapped a three-match losing streak against Muchova. When asked if she had the past defeats on her mind, Sabalenka was quick to dismiss the notion. "I mean, I never stay in the past. I always try to be in the present. Of course I know the stats, but I’m just trying to do my best every time I play whoever, doesn’t matter the score head-to-head, and basically that’s my mentality," she explained. Her ability to compartmentalize and focus on the present has been a hallmark of her rise to the top of the women’s game.
With this victory, Sabalenka advances to her third straight Brisbane International final—a remarkable achievement that further cements her status as one of the tour’s most consistent performers. The stakes are high, as the Brisbane event serves as a crucial tune-up for the Australian Open, which kicks off at Melbourne Park on January 18. Sabalenka, already a two-time champion down under, is eyeing a third Australian Open crown, and her current form suggests she will be a formidable force in the season’s first Grand Slam.
Her next opponent will be determined by the outcome of the other semi-final between American Jessica Pegula and Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk. Both players have enjoyed strong runs in Brisbane, and either would present a unique challenge in Sunday’s final. Sabalenka, however, is taking nothing for granted. "I’m just going to focus on my game, stay aggressive, and try to enjoy the moment," she said. "Whoever I play, it’s going to be a tough match."
Sabalenka’s run in Brisbane has not just been about the wins; it’s also about the statement she’s making ahead of the new season. Her straight-sets demolition of Madison Keys in the previous round sent a message to the rest of the field: the world number one is ready to defend her turf. With the Australian Open looming, her performance at Brisbane is a strong indicator that she could be the player to beat in Melbourne.
The men’s side of the Brisbane International has also delivered its share of drama. Three Americans—Aleksandar Kovacevic, Brandon Nakashima, and Alex Michelsen—have reached the semi-finals, with top seed Daniil Medvedev standing in Michelsen’s way for a spot in the title match. The men’s final, set for Sunday, promises to add another exciting chapter to this year’s tournament.
For now, all eyes are on Aryna Sabalenka. With her blend of power, precision, and poise, she has once again demonstrated why she sits atop the women’s game. As the Brisbane International final approaches, fans and pundits alike will be eager to see if she can lift the trophy for a second consecutive year and carry that momentum into Melbourne Park.
One thing’s for sure: Sabalenka’s present-focused mindset and unwavering determination have set the stage for an electrifying conclusion to the Brisbane International. Whether facing Pegula or Kostyuk, she’ll step onto the court as the favorite—but as every tennis fan knows, anything can happen in a final.
