'Many things to improve' for history-chasing Sabalenka

World number one Aryna Sabalenka feels "fresh and ready to go" ahead of the new tennis season as she aims to repeat what has been a brilliant 2024.

Sabalenka successfully defended her Australian Open title last January before winning the US Open in September, which was her third singles major.

The Belarusian also replaced Iga Swiatek at the top of the world rankings to end the year as WTA number one. She will begin her season at the Brisbane International, which gets under way on December 29, and is already targeting improvements.

"There are so many things to improve," Sabalenka said.

"I'm not that good with maybe my game at the net in singles. There are a lot of things to improve in my touch game.

"Even my serve is not as good as I want it to be, so there are always [elements] to improve."

Not long now. Just 3 days to go on the @EvieNetworks countdown! pic.twitter.com/Bw4GZEQ60T

— Brisbane International (@BrisbaneTennis) December 26, 2024

The 26-year-old reached the final of the Brisbane International last year, but was convincingly beaten by Elena Rybakina.

Despite that setback, she went through the entire Australian Open without dropping a single set. Should she defend her title again, she will be the first woman to win three straight Australian Opens since Martina Hingis in 1999.

"You work hard on lots of things in the pre-season," Sabalenka added.

"The first tournament before the major tournament is the one where you can try it out and see what's going to work well for you, and what's not.

"I have a lot of great memories from here and just can't wait to start playing."