Aryna Sabalenka asserted her dominance at the Brisbane International by defeating Marie Bouzková 6-3, 6-4 in the quarterfinals. As the reigning two-time Australian Open champion, Sabalenka was under pressure to showcase her authority, which she did with a commanding performance against the world number 44.
Marie Bouzková, having already eliminated top seeds Jeļena Ostapenko and Victoria Azarenka, posed a threat with her agile defense and precise play. Despite a valiant effort, evident from her impressive footwork and mere four unforced errors, Bouzková was overpowered by Sabalenka’s relentless offensive.
The match began with a grueling 18 minutes over the first two games, where Bouzková initially broke Sabalenka’s serve, only to be broken back immediately. The contest, held on a cool evening with temperatures at 24 degrees Celsius, saw both players tackling perspiration issues early on.
Cheered on by her player box, Sabalenka celebrated her triumphs with exuberant roars, matching them with bludgeoning groundstrokes. This raw power allowed her to deliver a staggering 44 winners, overshadowing Bouzková’s 13. Despite Bouzková’s resilience, Sabalenka maintained control, particularly after securing an early break in the second set.
In a testament to her versatility, Sabalenka mixed force with finesse, at times employing delicate touch shots amidst her characteristic power game, drawing smiles from herself and the crowd for her deft plays.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka is set to face eighth seed Mirra Andreeva, an encounter anticipated with enthusiasm given their shared history, including a three-set challenge at the French Open.
Having secured 25 wins in her last 26 matches since 2023, Sabalenka continues to mesmerize with her blend of ferocity and skill, solidifying her position as a formidable force on the tennis court.
