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Aryna Sabalenka survives scare from qualifier to win Brisbane International final

Women's world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka has overcome a scare from qualifier Polina Kudermetova to claim her first title at the Brisbane International 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

After Kudermetova claimed the opening set, the world No.107 looked like she would continue her stunning run in the River City which saw her win seven matches in nine days.

But it was not meant to be as Sabalenka found her feet in the second set before accelerating away.

AS IT HAPPENED: Australia vs India fifth Test, day three

Aryna Sabalenka celebrates after winning a point in the women's singles final of the Brisbane International.  Bradley Kanaris via Getty Images

After finishing runner-up in last year's tournament, Sabalenka appeared relieved when she hit the winning shot.

Sabalenka was stunned in the opening set as Kudermetova prevailed 6-4.

The Belarusian had the early advantage but after trading breaks, the first set was squared up at 3-3.

The set then continued on serve before Kudermetova broke again in the 10th game to take the set.

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Sabalenka survived another early scare at 1-2 in the second before notching a break in the fifth game to regain control.

With another break, Sabalenka quickly tied up the second set 6-3 and forced a decider.

Settling into her groove, an early break saw Sabalenka take a 3-0 lead in the third set.

Kudermetova broke Sabalenka when she was serving for the match but it was little consolation as the 26-year-old finished things off in the following game — the clock showing one hour and 47 minutes.

Sabalenka adds the crown from Brisbane to her one from Adelaide in 2023. Last year, she was heavily defeated by Elena Rybakina in the final at Brisbane.

Not to be too disheartened, Kudermetova will rise 50 places in the WTA rankings from No.107 to No.57 following the campaign.

Sabalenka is aiming to become the first woman to win three consecutive Australian Open titles since Martina Hingis in 1997-1999.

The women's singles draw at the Australian Open kicks off on Sunday, January 12.

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