Aryna Sabalenka is a champion in Brisbane once again, having stormed her way to the title with minimal fuss.
Failing to drop a single set, the Belarusian brushed aside stars like Madison Keys and Karolína Muchová, before then toppling an inspired Marta Kostyuk in the final.
It marks the continuation of a stunning trend for the four-time Grand Slam champion, who has now started five of her last eight seasons by winning the first tournament of the year.
Reacting to this latest triumph, Aryna Sabalenka actually sought to praise her own game, telling reporters the trait she has finally developed after trying her entire life to incorporate it.
Aryna Sabalenka reacts after winning the title in Brisbane
There was plenty of intrigue over Sabalenka’s celebration immediately after beating Kostyuk, where she appeared to kiss both of her biceps.
And whilst she fended off suggestions that this were attributed to the Ukrainian’s past comments about her strength, she accepted praise from one reporter who sought to emphasise how her deftness of touch has improved.
What does Aryna Sabalenka need to change in 2026 to win multiple Grand Slam titles?
Sabalenka admitted: “Yeah, I’m happy you saw that. This is something I have been working for I don’t know how long, probably my whole life, but never really worked well for me.
“And then a couple of years ago, I finally found the touch game. I figured something, and I kind of like changed my game style. Now I’m not only the aggressive player. I can play at the net, I can be in the defence, I can use my slice, I have a good touch.
“That’s something that I have been working my whole career to be, to have that variety in my game, to have A, B, C plans for the match. And I’m super happy to see that things are clicking together. Hopefully, I can just become better in those parts of my game.”
Then asked how she selects the right moments to switch from overwhelming power to delicate touch, the 27-year-old added: “No, I think now I’m a really experienced player, and right now I just trust my instincts.
“Sometimes, yeah, it was a crazy exchange of shots, and then I felt like I have to change the rhythm and I was going for that. Basically, I was just trusting myself and those decisions.
Do you think women should play best-of-five set matches?
“And I think it’s important to, you know, to be in a way unpredictable on court. I think I managed that really well today.”
Sabalenka concluded: “I guess that’s, how you call it, maturity, that’s for sure. And to be at the top of the game, to be strong, it’s not enough, that’s for sure. You have to be strong mentally, physically. Also, you have to have that variety in your game just to mess up a little bit on the court.”
Despite Sabalenka’s nightmare Brisbane draw, she won the title with ease.
Aryna Sabalenka could win it all in 2026
Whilst it might seem ludicrous to suggest, Sabalenka certainly has more than enough quality to enjoy a dominant 2026.
And, given the fact that she has started the year so well, fresh from a season where she was within touching distance of all four Grand Slam titles, there’s no reason to suggest that she could not go one step further in the coming months.
Starting in Melbourne, the two-time champion will be the overwhelming favourite to reclaim her crown after losing in the final.
Then, at Roland Garros, barring an Iga Swiatek return to her brilliant best, Sabalenka will be the favourite once again given Coco Gauff’s uncertainty.
Wimbledon has the conditions that suit her thunderous game perfectly, before heading back to the US Open, where she won her most recent major title.
It’s unlikely and unprecedented, but wholly possible for someone of Sabalenka’s talents.
