World number one Aryna Sabalenka has started as she means to go on in 2025, by winning the Brisbane International.

Aryna Sabalenka will head to the Australian Open with a first title of 2025 under her belt, after downing Polina Kudermetova at the Brisbane International.

Sabalenka, who was the runner-up last year, losing to Elena Rybakina, has now won 18 WTA-Tour level titles.

However, 21-year-old qualifier Kudermetova made a strong start on Sunday, going a set up before Sabalenka's quality told in a 4-6 6-3 6-2 victory.

The world number one was broken three times in the opener, including in the decisive game, as Kudermetova made the Belarusian pay for her rare show of sloppiness.

But after dropping a set for the first time at this year's tournament, Sabalenka recovered in style, giving up just five points on her serve in the second.

The deciding set was an even more routine matter for the 26-year-old, who will begin her Australian Open title defence on January 12.

Data Debrief: Sabalenka's home from home

This is the fourth title Sabalenka has clinched on Australian soil. She has won back-to-back Australian Open titles, while she also won this tournament previously in 2023, though back then it was played in Adelaide.

She will head to Melbourne Park in fine form for the season's first major. Sabalenka is aiming to become the first woman to win three consecutive Australian Open titles since Martina Hingis, who did so between 1997 and 1999.