World number one Aryna Sabalenka has overcome Mirra Andreeva’s stern challenge to book a Brisbane International final berth against qualifier Polina Kudermetova.
Sabalenka won her semifinal 6-3, 6-2 in an hour and 29 minutes on Saturday evening.
Russia’s 17-year-old star Andreeva blasted fearlessly from both wings to leave the two-time defending Australian Open champion teetering in both sets.
But Sabalenka showed steel and precision when it mattered, saving all eight break points she faced across several games and then pouncing when Andreeva offered rare openings on her own serve.
Sabalenka attempted to mix some subtlety with her trademark power.
World number 16 Andreeva generally coped well in a thorough examination before the year’s first major at Melbourne Park.
Andreeva’s five-game haul was an unfair reflection of her performance but an ominous sign for Sabalenka’s rivals who are searching for ways to erode her dominance in the country.
“It’s always the same tactic for me: stay aggressive and put my opponent under so much pressure,” Sabalenka said in her on-court interview.
“Seems like everything was working so well for me.
“She’s [Andreeva] an amazing player. I’m pretty sure she’s going to be top 10 soon for so long.”
Polina Kudermetova went through qualifying to advance to the final of the main draw. (Getty Images: Chris Hyde)
Earlier, Kudermetova blazed her way into her first WTA Tour final.
The 21-year-old Russian defeated Anhelina Kalinina 6-4, 6-3.
Kudermetova mixed 40 winners with 35 unforced errors to ensure the match was on her racquet.
The victory means Kudermetova will rise from 107 to at least number 57 on the world rankings.
AAP
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