Rybakina Defeats Sabalenka to Win Brisbane Title
Dimitrov Wins Brisbane For First Title Since 2017; Rublev Triumphs in Hong Kong
The first title winner on the WTA Tour in 2024 is Elena Rybakina, as she defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-0, 6-3 to capture the Brisbane International in what was a rematch of last year’s Australian Open final.
In a battle between two of the biggest hitters on the women’s tour, Rybakina seized control of the match from the get go, winning the first eight games of the contest to establish a massive lead. In all, she broke Sabalenka five times and dropped just three games total in the one hour and 13 minute match.
“I think the score doesn’t show the reality because all the games were quite tight, to be honest,” said Rybakina. “Couple of moments maybe I was a bit luckier. I knew no matter the score it’s going to still be difficult in the second set. It was just a few moments again where it could turn the other way around.”
In all, the third-ranked Rybakina played a dominant week of tennis in Brisbane, not dropping a set throughout as she aims to carry this momentum into the Australian Open.
“Really happy with the whole week here in Brisbane. Didn’t expect that it’s going to be like this, quite by the score,” said Rybakina. “Just looking forward for the next weeks, especially in Melbourne.”
On the men’s side, 32-year-old Grigor Dimitrov captured his first title since 2017 as the Bulgarian defeated top-seed Holger Rune of Denmark 7-6(5), 6-4 in Sunday’s championship.
“It’s been a while since I held one of these,” said Dimitrov, whose last title was the 2017 Nitto ATP Finals.
After securing the first set in a tiebreak, Dimitrov nailed down the key break at 3-3 in the second set to move ahead and never looked back.
“My love affair started here many years ago in Brisbane and it continues,” Dimitrov added. “I’m very thankful to lift the trophy again.”
Over in Hong Kong, Russia’s Andrey Rublev won the 15th title of his career, defeating Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori 6-4, 6-4 to win the Bank of China Hong Kong Open.
“It is a great feeling,” said Rublev. “I enjoyed my week a lot here. It is a great feeling to start the season with the title. I liked the city and the tournament, and I played good tennis.”
