World number one Aryna Sabalenka began her season with a dominant 6-4, 6-0 victory over Renata Zarazua at the Brisbane International.
After receiving a first-round bye, it took Sabalenka just 63 minutes to defeat Mexico’s Zarazua, setting up a third-round match against Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva.
This marks Sabalenka’s first time starting the year as the top-ranked player, following her US Open win in September. She is aiming for her third consecutive Australian Open title in January, but she is not feeling the pressure.
“I’ve passed that stage of being under pressure,” Sabalenka said. “When you’re in the top five, there’s always pressure with rankings and defending titles. I prefer to focus on myself and stay hungry for titles.”
Sabalenka reached the final of the Brisbane International last season but lost to Elena Rybakina.
