Aryna Sabalenka Reaches Brisbane Semifinals, Faces Rising Star Mirra Andreeva
Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka continued her strong start to the season, advancing to the Brisbane International semifinals on Friday. The Belarusian defeated unseeded Czech Marie Bouzkova in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, in a match lasting 1 hour and 44 minutes at the WTA 500 season-opening event.
Sabalenka will face 8th-seeded Mirra Andreeva of Russia in the semifinals on Saturday. Andreeva showcased resilience in her quarterfinal, saving two set points before securing a 6-4, 7-6(2) victory over Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur. The matchup marks their fourth meeting, with Sabalenka leading 2-1 in their head-to-head record. However, Andreeva won their last encounter in the quarterfinals of the French Open on clay.
Other Semifinal Matchup
In the other semifinal, Russia’s Polina Kudermetova will take on Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina. Kudermetova earned her spot with a 7-6(5), 6-3 victory over American Ashlyn Krueger, while Kalinina battled past Australian crowd favorite Kimberly Birrell in a three-set thriller, 4-6, 6-1, 7-5.
ASB Classic: Naomi Osaka in Auckland Semifinals
At the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, No. 7 seed Naomi Osaka staged a comeback to reach the semifinals, defeating American Hailey Baptiste in a three-set match, 6-7(2), 6-1, 6-2, in just over two hours. Osaka fired 10 aces and converted six of 12 break points to secure her win. She will face the winner of the all-American quarterfinal between No. 8 seed Katie Volynets and Alycia Parks, which was delayed due to rain.
Meanwhile, Denmark’s No. 5 seed Clara Tauson led No. 1 seed Madison Keys, 6-4, 3-4, when rain interrupted play. The winner of that match will face Robin Montgomery, who reached her first tour-level semifinal with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over fellow American Bernarda Pera.
Both Brisbane and Auckland events continue to build excitement as players gear up for the upcoming Australian Open.
