01/09/26 10:02:00
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01/09 21:57 CST Aryna Sabalenka advances to the Brisbane International final
after beating Muchov
Aryna Sabalenka advances to the Brisbane International final after beating
Muchov
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) --- Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka has advanced to the
Brisbane International final for the third year in a row after a 6-3, 6-4 win
Saturday over Karolina Muchov.
Sabalenka clinched the semifinal at Pat Rafter Arena on her fourth match point
to advance to Sunday's final against the winner of a later semifinal between
fourth-seeded Jessica Pegula and Marta Kostyuk.
On Friday, in a rematch of last year's Australian Open final, Sabalenka broke
Madison Keys' in five straight service games on the way to a 6-3, 6-3 win. Last
year at Melbourne Park, Keys beat Sabalenka for her first Grand Slam singles
title.
The Brisbane International is a tuneup event for this year's Australian Open,
which begins Jan. 18.
Although three match points slipped away amid a late flurry of pressure from
the Czech player, Sabalenka sealed victory when a Muchov shot sailed long.
"I always try to stay in the present," Sabalenka said. "I worked really hard
and each match against her is just another opportunity to get the win and I'm
super happy that today was the day when I was able to get the win. She is such
a great player and I always enjoy battles against her."
With 32 winners and all four break points saved, Sabalenka will look to carry
that momentum into her 13th WTA 500-level final on Sunday.
In the men's tournament at Brisbane, top-seeded Daniil Medvedev will play Alex
Michelsen of the United States in a later semifinal. Two Americans feature in
the other semi, with Aleksandar Kovacevic playing Brandon Nakashima.
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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
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