Grand Slam Aspirations: Sabalenka and Rybakina Gear Up for 2024 Season at Brisbane International"


 World number two Aryna Sabalenka and number four Elena Rybakina are set to kick off their 2024 seasons at the Brisbane International, a warm-up event for the Australian Open, according to organizers on Tuesday.



The Brisbane International, a WTA 500 event, marks the return of the tournament after a three-year hiatus initially caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Former world number one Naomi Osaka was previously announced to participate.


 


Sabalenka, unable to compete in the United Cup mixed tournament due to the ongoing ban on teams from Belarus and Russia, will join forces with fellow Belarusian and two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka in the 48-player Brisbane field. The 25-year-old is gearing up for her first Grand Slam title defense at Melbourne Park.



Expressing her anticipation, Sabalenka stated, "Australia holds a special place in my heart after winning my first Grand Slam there. I can't wait to make my debut at the Brisbane International and play in front of the Queensland tennis fans."




Russian-born Kazakh Elena Rybakina, the Wimbledon champion in 2022, who faced Sabalenka in this year's Melbourne final, is also slated to compete in Brisbane.



The news was reported by Nick Mulvenney, with editing by Peter Rutherford, adhering to Thomson Reuters' Trust Principles.

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