Brisbane International: Sabalenka into last four, defeating Keys one year after the Melbourne final

Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed, moved into the semi-finals of the Brisbane International presented by ANZ by winning against American Madison Keys, the No 5 seed, 6-3, 6-3 on Friday. Sabalenka, ranked No 1, will play Czech Karolina Muchova, the No 11 seed, next.

“I think my return was really good today, Sabalenka said. I put so much pressure on her, and I think that was the biggest advantage today. I’m just trying to bring on court things I have been working on the preseason, such as coming to the net.”

“I was working on my serve, and it seems that it’s working a little bit better. I know I have to be focused from the beginning to the end with her, because she’s incredible fighter and she can come back any time.”

Ahead of her victory, the Belarusian beat Romanian Sorana Cirstea (6-3, 6-3) and Spaniard Cristina Bucsa (6-0, 6-1).

Keys, ranked No 7, edged out Russian Diana Shnaider, the No 12 seed (6-7 (5), 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4)) and won against McCartney Kessler (6-4, 6-3) earlier in the tournament.