World primary Aryna Sabalenka opened her season with a 6-4 6-0 thrashing of Renata Zarazua on the Brisbane Worldwide.
After receiving a bye for the primary spherical, it took Sabalenka simply 63 minutes to beat Mexico’s Zarazua and arrange a third-round contest in opposition to Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva.
Sabalenka begins the yr because the top-ranked participant for the primary time in her profession after successful the US Open in September.
The Belarusian is aiming to win her third straight Australian Open in January however stated she shouldn’t be involved in regards to the weight of expectation that’s upon her.
“I’ve to say I am previous that stage of being beneath strain,” Sabalenka stated.
“Once you’re within the high 5, you are at all times form of beneath strain with the rating factors and all the title defences so I favor to only give attention to myself.
“So I at all times hold myself hungry and I am at all times hungry for titles, for wins. Successful is addicting.”
Sabalenka reached the ultimate of the Brisbane Worldwide final season however misplaced to Elena Rybakina.