Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina to open new season in Brisbane

SYDNEY – World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka and fourth-ranked Elena Rybakina will open their 2024 season at the Brisbane International warm-up for the Australian Open Grand Slam, organisers said on Nov 28.

Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka has already committed to the WTA 500 event, which is returning in the first week of January after a three-year hiatus forced initially by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Belarusian Sabalenka, 25, is ineligible to compete in the United Cup mixed tournament taking place in Perth and Sydney the same week, because of the ban on teams from Belarus and Russia stemming from the invasion of Ukraine.

She will join her compatriot and two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka in the 48-player Brisbane field as she prepares for her first Grand Slam title defence at Melbourne Park.

“Australia holds a special place in my heart after winning my first Grand Slam there,” she said. “I can’t wait to make my debut at the Brisbane International and play in front of the Queensland tennis fans.”

Russian-born Kazakh Rybakina, the Wimbledon champion in 2022, lost to Sabalenka in the 2023 Melbourne final.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka, 26, meanwhile, will make her eagerly anticipated return to tennis in Brisbane. She gave birth to daughter Shai in July and has not played on tour since the Pan Pacific Open in September 2022, having also struggled with her mental health and the pressures of tennis.

“I am really excited about getting back out on court and competing. I always love starting my season in Brisbane and can’t wait to return,” the Japanese said earlier in November.

“The Brisbane International is such a great tournament and will set me up for a brilliant comeback this summer.”

Headlining the men’s draw in the Brisbane International, which is an ATP 250 tournament, are Denmark’s Holger Rune, Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria, American Ben Shelton and veteran Scot Andy Murray.

Shelton, 21, claimed his first ATP title at the Japan Open in October, and will be one to watch following a breakout season which included a quarter-final run at the Australian Open and making the semis at the US Open.

“I’m thrilled to be playing the Brisbane International for the first time in 2024,” the world No. 17 said. “The (Australian) fans are so welcoming. I’m looking forward to exploring Brisbane and playing in front of the local fans.” 

Organisers are also excited for what is to come in the Dec 31-Jan 7 competition. “To have both the world No. 2 and world No. 4, Sabalenka and Rybakina, headlining the women’s field and young gun Ben Shelton also confirmed further cements the tournament as a premium event,” tournament director Cam Pearson said. REUTERS, AFP