For Aryna Sabalenka, the beginning of 2025 brought with it a monumental achievement as she entered the new season as the World No.1. This marks a significant milestone in her career, as the Belarusian star secured the top spot for the first time. Despite a strong run in 2023, where she came close to dethroning Iga Swiatek from the No.1 position during the US Open, it was Swiatek who ultimately regained her top ranking after winning the WTA Finals. However, Sabalenka’s incredible consistency in 2024 allowed her to solidify her position as the WTA's top player by the year's end.
Sabalenka’s road to World No.1
Sabalenka’s rise to the top of women’s tennis has been nothing short of impressive. In 2023, she claimed two Grand Slam titles, the Australian Open and the US Open, cementing her place among the game’s elite.
The 26-year-old’s efforts were further rewarded when she was named the WTA's Player of the Year for the first time. Despite facing challenges on grass and clay courts, Sabalenka has proven to be virtually unbeatable on hard courts.
A dominant start to 2025 with Brisbane International victory
Entering 2025 as the World No.1, Sabalenka continued to impress, clinching the Brisbane International title in commanding fashion. The Belarusian powerhouse powered through her early matches without losing a set, defeating Renata Zarazua, Yulia Putintseva, Marie Bouzkova, and Mirra Andreeva.
In the final, Sabalenka showcased her resilience, bouncing back from a set down to beat Polina Kudermetova 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. This victory marked her 18th career title and fourth in Australia, as she had previously won the Brisbane title in 2023 when the event was held in Adelaide.
Challenges Ahead: Sabalenka’s pursuit of perfection
While the titles continue to accumulate, Sabalenka has set high standards for herself. Aware of the mental and physical demands of the 2025 season, she remains focused on improving her game.
"Definitely getting the matches and definitely practising something new. Been working on the pre-season. I have to be honest, it’s not working really well so far. But I’m not going to give up on the things I practised. Hopefully, in Melbourne, it’s going to work better for me," Sabalenka said.
Eyes on Melbourne: Aiming for an Australian Open Hat-Trick
Following her Brisbane triumph, Sabalenka is now poised to defend the 2025 Australian Open, where she has the chance to complete a hat-trick of titles after back-to-back wins. No female player has managed such a feat since the legendary Martina Hingis, who won the Australian Open three times in a row from 1997 to 1999.
Despite strong competition from Iga Swiatek, last year’s runner-up Qinwen Zheng, Jessica Pegula, and Elena Rybakina, Sabalenka is widely considered one of the top favourites to win the tournament once again.
Confidence and Determination for the Australian Open
Sabalenka’s confidence is evident as she heads into the Australian Open. "I definitely feel my game pretty well. Mentally, physically, I'll be ready to go at the Australian Open. Really happy with the way the week went. Having this trophy going to the major, it's really important," she reflected after her Brisbane win.
With an 11-match winning streak on Australian soil, Sabalenka enters the season’s first major with a determined mindset. Known for her raw power and strong physique, she will undoubtedly be a formidable presence at Melbourne Park. With all eyes on her, the 2025 season is shaping up to be another memorable year for the World No.1.