London, 6 January 2024 (PA Media/dpa/MIA) — Aryna Sabalenka will renew her rivalry with Elena Rybakina in the final of the Brisbane International.

The big-hitting pair have played seven times before, including in last year’s Australian Open final, where Sabalenka fought back from a set down to win.

The two top seeds in Brisbane have been in fine form and were comprehensive winners on Saturday, with Sabalenka defeating fellow Belarusian Victoria Azarenka, 6-2, 6-4, after Rybakina had seen off Czech teenager Linda Noskova, 6-3, 6-2.

“Let’s just say it’s going to be great battle as always,” said Sabalenka. “Always great matches against Elena. I think we’re both serving really well. We’re both playing really super aggressive tennis. I think that’s why all the matches are pretty tight.”

It will also be a battle of the top two seeds in the men’s final, where Holger Rune will take on Grigor Dimitrov.

Dimitrov ended the run of Australian Jordan Thompson, who beat Rafael Nadal on Friday, with a 6-3, 7-5 triumph while Rune saw off Russian Roman Safiullin, 6-4, 7-6 (7-0).