There was an upset in the final match of the night as Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk defeated World No. 3 Amanda Anisimova, 6-4, 6-3, in a centre-court clash.
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka said she aims to continue improving as she targets a third Australian Open title in four years when the season’s first Grand Slam begins in Melbourne on January 18.
“I think there is always room to improve, and I’m definitely not at my peak,” Sabalenka said.
She added that tournaments such as Brisbane, which feature seven of the world’s top 10 players, provide ideal preparation for a Grand Slam.
“I think it’s important to have quality matches before heading to the big event, just so you’re preparing yourself mentally for fights, for battles,” she said.
Madison Keys, who won her first Grand Slam title in Melbourne over Sabalenka, overcame a challenge from 21-year-old Diana Shnaider, recovering to prevail in the final two tiebreaks.
“That had a little bit of everything,” Keys said. “It’s good to start the year with a little bit of drama.”
Kostyuk said she delivered one of her best performances to beat Anisimova, who reached the Wimbledon and US Open finals in 2025.
“I practiced with Amanda a week ago and she absolutely destroyed me,” Kostyuk said. “I think I played really, really good. Tactically, I think I played really good.”
Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina advanced to the quarterfinals with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Spain’s Paula Badosa. The World No. 5 took control at 3-3 in the opening set and won nine of the next 11 games to seal the victory.
Fourth seed Jessica Pegula also advanced after rallying past Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska, 5-7, 6-2, 6-3.
