Aryna Sabalenka believes Mirra Andreeva is “on the right path” after beating the teenager to reach Brisbane final

Aryna Sabalenka defeats Mirra Andreeva 6-3, 6-2 to reach her second straight final at the Brisbane International.

Aryna Sabalenka believes Mirra Andreeva is “on the right path” after beating the teenager to reach Brisbane final

Mirra Andreeva and Aryna Sabalenka (via WTA)

Aryna Sabalenka has continued from where she left off last year as she reached her first final of the 2025 season. The World No.1 looked full of confidence as she defeated 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva in the semifinals. She will be heading into the Brisbane International final as a pole favorite ahead of the Australian Open, which starts on January 12.

Sabalenka ended the 2024 season winning the US Open and climbing to the top of the WTA rankings. The Belarusian seems to be flying high since arriving in Brisbane, as she’s yet to drop a set. On Saturday (January 4), she saved five breakpoints to edge past in a tight opening set against Andreeva.

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However, in the second set, she found a way to absorb Andreeva’s tactics, beating the 17-year-old Russian 6-3, 6-2. The victory was revenge for the three-set loss she suffered at teenager’s hand in the quarterfinals of the 2024 French Open. Anyway, it was also a good week for Andreeva, who defeated the likes of Ons Jabeur and Linda Noskova in Brisbane.

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The teenager is also projected to reach the World No.15 of the WTA rankings next week. During Sabalenka’s press conference, she had kind words for Andreeva as she sees her as a big potential in the women’s circuit.

I’ll give my advice to her when I retire. Right now I’ll just let her do her thing. She’s doing the right things. She has a great team around her, family around her, amazing coach. Couldn’t recommend her anyone better than her (Conchita Martinez). She’s on the right path and definitely the future of tennis. She’s gonna be there very soon.

Aryna Sabalenka said via United Cup Press

Andreeva already has one WTA title to her name after winning the Iasi Open last year. The teenager will be hoping to add another title this season and possibly win the her first Grand Slam.

Aryna Sabalenka says she’s more prepared this year compared to last season

Aryna Sabalenka finished as runners-up in Brisbane last year; she will aim to win the title this time around. The three-time major winner now has a commanding 26 wins in her last 27 matches in Australia since the start of 2023. Her only loss came against Elena Rybakina in the final of Brisbane.

Aryna Sabalenka (6)
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X)

Ahead of the Brisbane final, Sabalenka stated that she’s more optimistic about winning more titles this year. The 26-year-old added she has improved a lot mentally and physically this season.

It’s always the same tactic for me, to stay aggressive and put my opponents under pressure. I definitely think that I have improved a lot mentally, physically and skills as well. I think every year I’m getting a little bit better. Mentally and physically I’m definitely stronger than I was last year.

Aryna Sabalenka said via News18

Sabalenka will play Polina Kudermetova in the final on Sunday (January 5). The 21-year-old swept aside Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina 6-4, 6-3 to continue her stellar run from the qualifying competition.