Aryna Sabalenka refuses to give advice to Mirra Andreeva after Brisbane win, predicts big things for her

Aryna Sabalenka ended Mirra Andreeva's strong run at the Brisbane International in the semifinals on Saturday, January 4. The top seed was a 6-3, 6-2 victor over the teen sensation.

Notably, Andreeva had recently become just the fifth player in the two decades to make more than four Tour-level semifinals before turning 18. Understandably, tennis observers are predicting big things for the talented youngster.

Sabalenka too had plenty of praise to offer. On being asked to share any advice for the youngster, the top seed joked that she would offer her two cents only once she has retired from the sport.

On a more serious note, the Belarusian said Andreeva was doing all the right things and had a great coach in the form of Conchita Martinez and the team supporting her. The World No. 1 went on to make a bold prediction, saying that the Russian was the future of tennis.

“I’ll give my advice to her when I retire,” Aryna Sabalenka said. “Right now I’ll just let her do her thing. She’s doing the right things.”

“She has a great team around her, family around her, amazing coach. Couldn’t recommend her anyone better than her (Conchita Martinez). She’s on the right path and definitely the future of tennis. She’s gonna be there very soon,” she added.

As far as the contest is concerned, Sabalenka was ruthless in the semifinals. She broke her opponent thrice while saving all eight breakpoints on her own serve to take the win in straight sets. She will now take on Polina Kudermetova in the summit clash on Sunday, January 5.

---

Aryna Sabalenka, Mirra Andreeva make strong starts to the 2025 season

Mirra Andreeva in action against Aryna Sabalenka at the 2025 Brisbane International. (Source: Getty)

Both Aryna Sabalenka and Mirra Andreeva have made strong starts to the season, with the former now finding herself on a four-match winning streak. She lost the Brisbane final to Elena Rybakina last year and will be keen on changing that result on Sunday.

So far, Sabalenka has taken straight-set wins over the likes of Renata Zarazua, Yulia Putintseva, Marie Bouzkova and Andreeva. Her biggest test came against Putintseva, who led the scoreline early during the third round. The top seed, however, came through 7-6(2), 6-4.

Despite her loss against Sabalenka in the semifinals, Andreeva can also take away plenty of positives from her run. She scored big wins over Ons Jabeur, Linda Noskova and Anna Blinkova over the last week. The World No. 16 will next be in action at the Adelaide International, which is set to begin with main draw action on Monday.