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Sabalenka advances to Brisbane International quarterfinals

Aryna Sabalenka. Photo courtesy of the NOC of Belarus

MINSK, 8 January (BelTA) – Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka has secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Brisbane International in Australia, BelTA has learned.

On 8 January, the world number one defeated Romania’s Sorana Cirstea (world No.41) with a score of 6-3, 6-3. In the semifinal clash, the Belarusian will face the winner of the match between Russia’s Diana Shnaider (No.21) and Madison Keys of the USA (No.7).

In the round of 32, Sabalenka delivered a commanding victory over Spain’s Cristina Bucsa (world No.50), 6-0, 6-1. In 2025, she won the Brisbane International final against Russian tennis player Polina Kudermetova.

Another Belarusian player, Aliaksandra Sasnovich (No.113), defeated Russian Anna Blinkova (No.61) in the round of 64 with a score of 7-5, 6-1. In the second round, she triumphed over Denmark’s Clara Tauson (world No.14), 6-3, 6-3. In the round of 16, she is set to face Russian tennis player Liudmila Samsonova (No.17). Sasnovich earned her place in the main draw through the qualifying rounds, where she defeated Bulgarian Viktoriya Tomova (world No.128), 6-2, 6-2, and Maria Timofeeva of Uzbekistan (No.138), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.

The tournament in Brisbane will conclude on 11 January. 

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