Brisbane International Semifinal: Aryna Sabalenka gets revenge on Muchova, ready to defend her crown
WTA
Aryna Sabalenka has reached the final of the Brisbane International once again—for the third consecutive year—after defeating the tricky Karolina Muchova in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4. The world No. 1 will now look to defend the title she already won in 2024 against the winner of the match between Jessica Pegula and Marta Kostyuk.
The four-time major champion managed to get revenge against one of her toughest rivals—considering that Muchova had won three consecutive matches against Sabalenka. The world No. 1 had only won their first encounter back in 2019, but since then Muchova had prevailed three times, all in three-set battles.
Sabalenka secures some points ahead of traveling to the Australian Open and will face one final challenge in pursuit of her 22nd career title this Sunday. On the other hand, Muchova retires from the tournament with a strong start to the year, which allows her to move up one spot to No. 19—just as a month approaches in which she has a large portion of her points to defend in February.
Sabalenka takes early control
In the first set, the Belarusian quickly took the lead, breaking early and holding strong service games to go up 3-0. Sabalenka was even more effective than in her previous duels with her first serve, winning an almost perfect 94% of first-serve points, compared to Muchova’s 70%.
Muchova’s variety on serve was not enough to easily win her service games, as Sabalenka constantly made her work hard for points. Muchova saved a couple of break points at 2-5, and Sabalenka had to wait until she served again, but eventually claimed the first set comfortably 6-4 after 37 minutes of play.
Sabalenka holds nerve to break Muchova late
The second set remained tight, especially because Muchova improved her second-serve effectiveness—from a poor 20% to 50%—and Sabalenka looked slightly more erratic and rushed trying to win quick points.
The set was evenly contested, with no clear advantage for either player until the final moments. At 3-4, 15-40 on serve, Sabalenka gave Muchova a couple of valuable break chances, but the world No. 1 showed her worth at important moments and held serve. She then took advantage of the pressure and responded with a quick break in the next game.
The defending champion kept her composure, moved ahead 5-4, and with serve in hand aimed to close the win. Even though she had some difficulties—wasting three match points with unforced errors—Sabalenka ultimately claimed victory, taking the last three games consecutively to win 6-3, 6-4 and return to the Brisbane final.
The 21-title champion, in WTA-level form, aims to start the season with another trophy. She will have the chance this Sunday to contest the final against the winner of the Pegula vs. Kostyuk match, which will take place Saturday afternoon. Sabalenka dominates both head-to-heads: 9-3 against the American and 4-0 against the Ukrainian.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
