Women’s world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka has overcome a scare from qualifier Polina Kudermetova to claim her first title at the Brisbane International 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
After Kudermetova claimed the opening set, the world No.107 looked like she would continue her stunning run in the River City which saw her win seven matches in nine days.
But it was not meant to be as Sabalenka found her feet in the second set before accelerating away.
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Aryna Sabalenka celebrates after winning a point in the women’s singles final of the Brisbane International. Bradley Kanaris via Getty Images
After finishing runner-up in last year’s tournament, Sabalenka appeared relieved when she hit the winning shot.
Sabalenka was stunned in the opening set as Kudermetova prevailed 6-4.
The Belarusian had the early advantage but after trading breaks, the first set was squared up at 3-3.
The set then continued on serve before Kudermetova broke again in the 10th game to take the set.
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Sabalenka survived another early scare in the second before notching a break in the fifth game.
With another break, Sabalenka quickly tied up the second set 6-3 and forced a decider.
Settling into her groove, an early break saw Sabalenka take a 3-0 lead in the third set.
She went on to get the job done in one hour and 47 minutes.
MORE TO COME.
