Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka Face Contrasting Outcomes Ahead of Australian Open

Sabalenka secures Brisbane title while Osaka's injury clouds her Australian Open prospects after Auckland final retirement.

Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, won the Brisbane International, defeating Polina Kudermetova 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, marking her 18th career title and strengthening her bid for a third consecutive Australian Open title.
Naomi Osaka retired from the Auckland Classic final due to an abdominal injury after winning the first set against Clara Tauson, raising concerns about her readiness for the Australian Open starting January 12.
Clara Tauson claimed her third career WTA title in Auckland but expressed mixed emotions, calling it the 'worst final' emotionally due to Osaka's injury retirement.
Sabalenka's Brisbane victory extends her strong form in Australia, with 16 of her 18 career titles coming on hard courts, and positions her as a favorite for the upcoming Grand Slam.
Osaka, who returned to tennis a year ago after a maternity break, had shown promising form in Auckland, reaching her first final in nearly three years before the injury setback.