Aryna Sabalenka targeting third-straight Australian Open

Aryna Sabalenka is seeking to become the first woman in 25 years to win three-straight Australian Open titles this January.

The Belarusian begins the year as world No.1 for the first time, having secured the year-end top spot at the WTA Finals in Riyadh in November.

With a 1121-point lead over Iga Swiatek in the WTA rankings, Sabalenka ensures that she will be top seed for her Australian Open defence as well.

Speaking to media after an off-season spent in the Middle East, the 26-year-old shared that a third title in Melbourne would be the perfect start to her year.

“It would mean a lot,” she said this week in Abu Dhabi.

“I think the key is just to focus on yourself and on bringing your best each time you play.

“Whether it’s Australia or any other country, you just have to bring your best every time and hope for the best.”

Sabalenka is favourite to win the Australian Open across most tennis betting apps, returning $3.25 at Neds to claim the title.

Swiatek ($4.50) and Coco Gauff are on the next two lines of betting, before tennis betting odds lengthen significantly for Elena Rybakina ($10) on the fourth line.

However, Sabalenka is not counting her chickens before they hatch, and is staying motivated with an awareness that the rest of the field will be targeting her as world No.1.

“You cannot be confident on that,” she said.

“It’s a mental thing.

“Of course I’d like to stay there as long as possible and I’m working really hard for that, so let’s see how next season is going to be.

“Sometimes when I feel like I need that drive, which is not very often, I just remember where I started and how much I wanted to be where I am right now.

“That drives me crazy and that’s what helps me to stay motivated and stay hungry all the time.”

Sabalenka will begin her 2025 season at the Brisbane International, which starts on Sunday, 29 December.

Tennis bookmakers are yet to release odds for the WTA 500 event, but Sabalenka will be a heavy favourite to win, having claimed the title in 2024.

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