Aryna Sabalenka has made a winning start to the new year.

The world number one claimed victory in the final of the Brisbane International on Sunday.

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Sabalenka gave an emotional speech after victory in Brisbane[/caption]

Sabalenka saw off Polina Kudermetova 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in Australia as she prepares for this month’s Australian Open.

She heads to Melbourne as the defending champion, having won the last two editions of the year’s opening Grand Slam.

This year’s event is set to get underway on January 13 and run for two weeks.

Sabalenka took the chance to thank her coaching team during an emotional speech on court in Brisbane, having lost the final last year to Elena Rybakina.

After receiving the trophy, the Belarusian aimed a cheeky dig at her support staff as she spoke in front of the crowd.

Looking over to her coaches, she joked: “Last by not least… Well guys, well done. Definitely better work than last year.

Sabalenka continued: “I don’t know what to say, you guys have always been there for me.

“I will never get tired of saying thank you so much for all of the hard work you’ve done for me. For being there for me, no matter what. We’ve been through a lot and I’m really proud.”

The 26-year-old was visibly emotional as she looked back over to the crowd, appearing to well up as she asked: “Keep going? You feel good?”

Sabalenka almost lost her composure before finishing off her speech by saying: “So whatever, thank you,” whilst smiling and laughing.

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Sabalenka welled up as she aimed a cheeky dig[/caption]

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She was all smiles by the end of her speech, though[/caption]

The Brisbane International triumph was the 18th singles title of Sabalenka’s career, which has also included three Grand Slams.

It also continues a bizarre streak of tournament wins for the tennis ace, who has scooped over $30million (£24m) in prize money.

Sabalenka has now won her opening event in an odd numbered year for the fourth time in a row.

The run stretches back to her victory at the Shenzhen Open in 2019.

She followed that win up by claiming the Abu Dhabi Open two years later and the Adelaide International in 2023.

Sabalenka has now begun 2025 by delivering on her top seed status in Brisbane.

It also stands her in good stead for the upcoming Australian Open, having followed up her victory in Adelaide two years ago with the Grand Slam title.