Brisbane International: Aryna Sabalenka beats Renata Zarazua in second round
World number one Aryna Sabalenka opened her season at the Brisbane International with a 6-4 6-0 victory over Renata Zarazua.
After a bye in the first round, Sabalenka defeated Mexico’s Sarazua in just 63 minutes and entered the third round against Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva.
Sabalenka became the world’s No. 1 player for the first time in her career after winning the U.S. Open in September.
The Belarusian is aiming to win a third consecutive Australian Open in January but says she is not worried about the pressure of expectations she is under.
“I have to say I’m past the point of being under pressure,” Sabalenka said.
“When you’re in the top five you’re always going to have the pressure of ranking points and all the title defenses, so I’d rather just focus on myself.
“So I always keep myself hungry, I always want championships, wins. Winning is addictive.”
Sabalenka reached the finals of the Brisbane International last season, but lost to Elena Rybakina.
