World number 2 Aryna Sabalenka beat three-time Grand Slam champion Ons Jabeur 4-6 6-3 3-6 6-2 in an exhibition match at the Ryadh Season Tennis Cup in preparation for next month’s Australian Open in Melbourne.
Before travelling to Ryadh Sabalenka played at the 2023 World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi, where she beat Iga Swiatek.
Sabalenka won the first game on serve and earned two break points at 40-15 in the second game, but she did not convert them. Both players went on serve until the seventh game, when Jabeur earned a break point at 40-30. Jabeur earned the first break point in the seventh game to take a 4-3 lead, when Sabalenka hit the ball into the net. Jabeur saved four break points, when she was serving for the set at 5-4.
Both players held on their serve until the sixth game, when Sabalenka earned her first break of the match. The Belarusian player faced break points, but she saved them to hold on her serve in her next service games and sealed the second set 6-3 forcing the match to the third set.
Sabalenka broke Jabeur in the third game of the decider. Jabeur broke straight back in the fourth game. The 2023 Australian Open champion earned two breaks to seal the third set 6-2. “I am excited about starting my 2024 Australian Open season in Brisbane. Australia holds a special place in my heart after winning my first Grand Slam title there last year. I can’t wait to make my debut at the Brisbane International and play in front of the Queensland tennis fans”,said Sabalenka.
