Overview
- Aryna Sabalenka called the current tour schedule “a madness” and said she will skip tournaments to protect against injury and exhaustion.
- She beat Sorana Cirstea 6-3, 6-3 to advance to the Brisbane International quarterfinals.
- Her next match is against Madison Keys in a rematch of last year’s Australian Open final, which Keys won.
- Sabalenka said she was penalized last season for not meeting WTA 500 participation requirements and described the rules as complicated with mandatory events.
- She considers Brisbane’s strong field valuable preparation for the Australian Open, which begins January 18.