World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the Brisbane International semifinals on Friday, Jan. 9, with a commanding 6-3, 6-3 victory over Madison Keys. The win marked a rematch of the 2025 Australian Open final and took just one hour and 29 minutes to secure.

Since 2023, Sabalenka has compiled an exceptional 36-2 record in Australia, including two Australian Open titles and a Brisbane International crown. Her consistent performance has made her virtually unstoppable on the continent.

“This place is super special. I always play great here and I’m excited to be back in the semis,” Sabalenka said on court, reflecting on her dominant form. She will next face world No. 20 Karolina Muchova in Saturday’s semifinal.

Muchova ends Rybakina streak

Karolina Muchova booked her semifinal spot with a 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 upset over fifth-ranked Elena Rybakina on Friday. The 29-year-old Czech ended Rybakina’s 13-match winning streak with a clutch performance that highlighted her precision and composure.

Tied at 4-4 in the deciding set, Muchova hit a backhand return winner to break serve at a critical juncture. She followed with her third ace in the next game to set up match point, converting it with a decisive forehand winner.

“It’s the first tournament, and so far it couldn’t have been better than this,” Muchova said after the match, emphasizing her positive start to the 2026 season. The Brisbane International semifinals now promise a high-stakes showdown between Sabalenka and Muchova. [Xinhua]