Aryna Sabalenka reveals hilarious exchange with ‘friend’ Yulia Putintseva after their match in Brisbane
Aryna Sabalenka is looking to have the perfect build up for the Australian Open, where she will come as the defending champion.
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Aryna Sabalenka and Yulia Putintseva (via X and WTA)
World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka overcame a tough challenge from No.15 seed Yulia Putintseva in the Brisbane International third round. Sabalenka rallied from 5-3 down in the first set to win 7-6(2), 6-4 in 1 hour and 49 minutes. She faced four points where she was two points from losing the opener but stayed calm in the key moments. This win improved her head-to-head record against Putintseva to 2-1.
Sabalenka and Putintseva are good friends off the court, but both are known for their fierce competitive spirit. They gave their all during the match and shared a warm moment at the net afterward. The match showcased their fighting spirit and respect for each other.
It’s hard to play against a friend, but you know we all want to win the game and on the field we are opponents, but off the field we are friends. I got an invitation for her birthday next Friday and after the game she said to me: ‘You’re not coming’. But I told her: ‘I’ll make sure to bring you a good present so that you agree with me’.
Aryna Sabalenka said in his post match interview (H/T: Brisbane International)
Last year, Sabalenka reached the Brisbane final but lost to Elena Rybakina in a one-sided match. Despite that defeat, she bounced back to win her second Australian Open title. This week, she has already defeated Renata Zarazua and Putintseva in Brisbane.
If Sabalenka wins her 18th career title in Brisbane and a third Australian Open title, she will achieve an incredible record. That would mark 34 wins in her last 35 matches in Australia, cementing her dominance Down Under.
Tough road ahead For Aryna Sabalenka in Brisbane
Aryna Sabalenka is one of only two seeded players left in the Brisbane quarterfinals, alongside No.8 Mirra Andreeva. Despite this, the road to the title remains challenging. Sabalenka is aiming to win the Brisbane title for the first time.
In the quarterfinals, Sabalenka will play Marie Bouzkova, who has been in great form. Bouzkova defeated No.10 seed and two-time champion Victoria Azarenka 6-4, 6-4. Earlier, she also upset No.5 seed Jelena Ostapenko. Sabalenka and Bouzkova have faced each other twice, with each winning once. Bouzkova won their last meeting in July at the Washington semifinals.
If Sabalenka wins against Bouzkova, she will face either Andreeva or Ons Jabeur in the semifinals. Both players have the skill to challenge Sabalenka’s powerful game. Andreeva defeated Sabalenka in a tough match at last year’s Roland Garros quarterfinals.
Jabeur also poses a threat with her unique playing style. She has beaten Sabalenka in two of their six matches. Sabalenka will need to overcome strong opponents to advance and claim the Brisbane title.
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Fahad Hamid
(684 Articles Published)