World women’s tennis number one, Aryna Sabalenka reached the Brisbane International semi-finals by defeating Marie Bouzkova 6-3 6-4.

The top-seeded Belarusian will now face 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva, who beat former world number two Ons Jabeur 6-4 7-6 (7-2).

The duo last met at the 2024 French Open where the Russian teenager up
defeated Sabalenka 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-4 to become the youngest player since Martina Hingis in 1997 to reach a Grand Slam semi-final.

Czech Republic’s Bouzkova made a good start in the quarter-final by breaking serve in the first game, but three-time major winner Sabalenka fought back to win the opening set in 51 minutes.

She then wrapped up the second set in 53 minutes as she eyes an 18th career title.

“It’s always tough battles against Bouzkova and I had lost the last one [in Washington]. I came into the match really focused and I’m happy I was able to put her under pressure and finish the match in straight sets,” the 26-year-old said.

“[Andreeva] is a great player. We recently played an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi where I got to know her better. She is also a great person and I am really looking forward to playing against her.”

Russia’s Polina Kudermetova and Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina will meet in the other women’s singles semi-final.

Editor Paul Akhagbemhe