Sabalenka opens season with 'tricky' win in Brisbane

The world number one from Belarus appeared bothered by the high humidity on Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane, particularly in an error-strewn first set. But after breaking Mexico's Renata Zarazua at 5-4, the 26-year-old surged through the second set to wrap up the match 6-4, 6-0 in 65 minutes. "The first match is always a tricky one," Sabalenka said. "It was a tricky start for me but I'm glad that I closed it out in the first set, and in the second set I felt like whatever I tried to do it would work for me.