World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Czech star Jiri Lehecka started their 2025 tennis campaigns in style, clinching the singles titles at the Brisbane International on Sunday night.
She overcame an early scare against 107th-ranked Polina Kudermetova to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in a hard-fought final. The Belarusian extended her winning streak in Australia to 12 matches, reinforcing her dominance ahead of the Australian Open, where she will seek her third consecutive title.
Despite dropping the first set, Sabalenka found her rhythm and displayed the form that has earned her 18 career titles—16 of which have come on hard courts.
“I felt all of the support from the very beginning of the week until the very last point. I really appreciate it, and that’s why I love playing in Australia and in Brisbane”
Sabalenka initially raced to a 3-1 lead, but Kudermetova, appearing in her first career final, responded with composure to claim the opening set. The 21-year-old Russian even had an opportunity to break Sabalenka’s serve in the second set but failed to capitalize. From there, Sabalenka shifted gears and dominated the remainder of the match.
Kudermetova’s impressive run through qualifying and into the final ensures she will break into the top 60 when the new rankings are released, marking her as one to watch this season.
Sabalenka now turns her attention to Melbourne, aiming to become the first woman since Martina Hingis in the 1990s to win three consecutive Australian Open titles.
Jiri Lehecka
LEHECKA CLAIMS TITLE AFTER OPELKA INJURY
In the men’s final, world No. 28 Jiri Lehecka claimed his second career title after American Reilly Opelka was forced to retire due to a back injury. Opelka pulled out while trailing 4-1 after just 13 minutes of play.
Lehecka, who also advanced through the semifinals via walkover after Grigor Dimitrov’s withdrawal, acknowledged the unfortunate end to the match but remained positive about his victory.
“It is never easy to finish a match this way. I know how you feel, Reilly. It has been an honor to see you back playing, and if your body can take it, you will be there for many more years”
While the abrupt finish was disappointing for the crowd, the win provides a strong foundation for Lehecka as he builds momentum heading into the Australian Open.
NEXT STOP: MELBOURNE
With the Brisbane International wrapped up, all eyes now shift to Melbourne, where Sabalenka and Lehecka will aim to continue their winning form at the first Grand Slam of the year.
Sabalenka’s pursuit of history and Lehecka’s rising profile set the stage for an exciting Australian Open, promising drama and high-stakes tennis in the weeks to come.
