"Much better work than last year" - Aryna Sabalenka teases her team after Brisbane International win recalling 2024 Elena Rybakina heartbreak

Aryna Sabalenka jokingly teased her team after winning the Brisbane International 2025 title on Sunday. The Belarusian recalled the upset she faced during Brisbane International last year, where she lost to Elena Rybakina in the finals.

Sabalenka reached the finals last year as well but failed to win the title as Elena Rybakina defeated her 6-0, 6-3. However, on Sunday, January 5, Sabalenka faced a different fate as she defeated Polina Kudermetova 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 to clinch the title.

Following this win, Aryna Sabalenka extended her gratitude toward her team while teasing them by recalling last year's final. Thanking them for their support, the World No. 1 said:

"Last but not least… well guys, well done. Definitely much better work than last year. I mean, I don't know what to say, you guys have always been there for me and I will never get tired of saying thank you so much for all of the hard work you have done for me, for being there for me no matter what. We have been through a lot and I am really proud. Shall I keep speaking? You feel good? I was so good, you know, and now I lost it. So, whatever, thank you."

She was in fine form at the WTA 500 event, as she did not drop any sets en route to the final. In the championship match, Sabalenka fought off a resilient Kudermetova as the former came back from a set down to win 4-6,6-3,6-2.

---

Aryna Sabalenka opened up about the changes she has brought in her 2025 games

Aryna Sabalenka, who usually uses big groundstrokes in her game, was seen mixing slices and drop shots in her recent games in Australia. Discussing the new additions in her playstyle following her semifinal victory against Mirra Andreeva at the Brisbane International, Sabalenka said that having a Plan B for different situations is always a good option.

"That's 100% great to have the variety in your game," Aryna Sabalenka said. "Whenever you have to switch to Plan B, you have something to play with."

She further added that the changes in her shots will benefit her game by allowing her to take on the opponents with her trademark aggression coupled with a touch of finesse.

"I really believe and I really think having those tricky shots, that slice, changing the rhythm, it's going to really bring a lot of benefits to my game. Facing someone who is really aggressive, but who can have a great touch, it can be frustrating."

While she ended the 2024 season with a loss to Coco Gauff at the WTA Finals, the newly crowned World No.1 has started her 2025 campaign on a strong note, with her win-loss record for the season reading 4-1 so far.