While putintseva

Brisbane International WTA: World No.1 and top seed Aryna Sabalenka showcased her trademark power and resilience in a challenging third-round encounter, defeating No.15 seed Yulia Putintseva 7-6(2), 6-4 in just under two hours at the Brisbane International WTA event.

Sabalenka entered the match as the favourite but was immediately put on the back foot by Putintseva's tactical variety and defensive brilliance. The Kazakhstan player’s speed and court awareness disrupted Sabalenka’s rhythm, forcing uncharacteristic errors and building a 5-3 lead.

Putintseva’s defensive highlight came at a spectacular point where she found the lines repeatedly while on the run, earning loud applause from the Brisbane crowd. The World No.29’s ability to mix her shots and anticipate Sabalenka’s power plays kept the Belarusian under constant pressure.