Dominant Sabalenka reaches Brisbane final

Aryna Sabalenka

World number one Aryna Sabalenka reached the final of the Brisbane International for the third year in a row with a 6-3 6-4 win against Karolina Muchova.

Sabalenka is aiming to win a third Australian Open title in four years later this month and continued her preparations with a dominant victory to set up a final against Marta Kostyuk, who beat fourth seed Jessica Pegula 6-0 6-3.

A French Open runner-up in 2023, Czech Muchova had won her previous three matches against Sabalenka.

But Muchova had no answer to the Belarusian's power at the Queensland Tennis Centre and, although three match points slipped away, Sabalenka sealed victory when a Muchova shot sailed long.

"I'm super happy that today was the day when I was able to get the win," Sabalenka said.

"She is such a great player and I always enjoy battles against her."

Sabalenka has not lost a set in four meetings with Ukrainian Kostyuk, the world number 26. The final takes place on Sunday.

In the men's tournament at Brisbane, Brandon Nakashima will meet top-seeded Daniil Medvedev in Sunday's final.

Nakashima beat Aleksandar Kovacevic 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 in their semi-final, while 2021 US Open winner Medvedev saw off Alex Michelsen 6-4 6-2.

The Australian Open runs from 18 January to 1 February.