Fans can catch the Adelaide 36ers vs. Brisbane Bullets game live on TV on ESPN via Foxtel. The live streaming option is available on Kayo Sports which offers a FREE trial for its new users.
Kayo Sports and Foxtel are providing both live and catch-up coverage of ESPN’s broadcasting of every single match of this season’s NBL action. New users of Kayo can currently sign up for a FREE trial.
Free-to-air TV coverage is available for Sunday’s two matches at 2:30 p.m. AEDT on Channel 10and 4:30 p.m. AEDT on 10 Bold.
What time does Adelaide 36ers vs. Brisbane Bullets tip-off?
This NBL Round 19 match takes place at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre in Adelaide and begins on Friday, January 31 at 7:00 p.m. local time (ACDT).
Here’s how that tip-off time translates to the various Australian time zones:
Date
Kickoff time
Australian Eastern Daylight Time
Friday, January 31
7:30 p.m.
Australian Central Daylight Time
Friday, January 31
7:00 p.m.
Australian Western Standard Time
Friday, January 31
4:30 p.m.
NBL Men fixture schedule this week
All times AEDT
Thursday, January 30
Tasmania JackJumpers vs. Illawarra Hawks (7:30 p.m.)
Friday, January 31
Adelaide 36ers vs. Brisbane Bullets (7:30 p.m.)
Perth Wildcats vs. S.E. Melbourne (9:30 p.m.)
Saturday, February 1
NZ Breakers vs. Cairns Taipans (5:30 p.m.)
Melbourne United vs. Tasmania JackJumpers (8:00 p.m.)
Sunday, February 2
Sydney Kings vs. Perth Wildcats (2:30 p.m.)
S.E. Melbourne vs. Adelaide 36ers (4:30 p.m.)
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >
Are you looking for a way to watch the Adelaide 36ers take on the Brisbane Bullets in Round 19 of the NBL? Look no further! In this post, we will provide you with all the information you need to catch the action live.
The game between the Adelaide 36ers and the Brisbane Bullets is set to take place on [date] at [time]. If you are unable to make it to the stadium, there are still plenty of options for you to watch the game from the comfort of your own home.
One option is to watch the game on a free live stream. There are several websites and platforms that offer free live streams of NBL games, so be sure to do a quick search to find one that works for you.
If you prefer to watch the game on TV, you can tune in to the free-to-air channel [channel name] to catch all the action. Check your local listings to find out what channel the game will be broadcast on in your area.
Don’t miss out on what is sure to be an exciting matchup between these two NBL teams. Make sure to mark your calendars and find a way to watch the Adelaide 36ers take on the Brisbane Bullets in Round 19 of the NBL.
Tags:
Adelaide 36ers vs Brisbane Bullets, NBL Round 19 game, live stream, free-to-air channel, start time, watch online free, basketball game, NBL live stream, Adelaide vs Brisbane live stream, NBL game schedule, NBL game time, Australian basketball game.
The Brisbane Bullets head to New Zealand on Friday night to face the Breakers in a must-win clash as they fight to secure a spot in the NBL top six.
After a strong mid-season run, including five wins in six games and a key victory over the Adelaide 36ers on Christmas Eve, the Bullets hold a 7-8 record from 15 games and aim to get back on track.
The Breakers, with a 7-9 record from 16 games, have struggled with inconsistency, making this matchup crucial for both teams’ playoff hopes. A healthier Brisbane squad could prove decisive as they look to keep their finals aspirations alive.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this NBL Round 18, including how to watch, kickoff times, and all the latest team news.
NZ Breakers vs. Brisbane Bullets live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this NBL men’s basketball match in Australia.
Fans can catch the NZ Breakers vs. Brisbane Bullets game live on TV on ESPN via Foxtel. The live streaming option is available on Kayo Sports which offers a FREE trial for its new users.
Kayo Sports and Foxtel are providing both live and catch-up coverage of ESPN’s broadcasting of every single match of this season’s NBL action. New users of Kayo can currently sign up for a FREE trial.
Free-to-air TV coverage is not available for this game.
What time does NZ Breakers vs. Brisbane Bullets tip-off?
This NBL Round 18 match takes place at the Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch, New Zealand and begins on Friday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m. local time (NZDT).
Here’s how that tip-off time translates to the various Australian time zones:
Date
Kickoff time
Australian Eastern Daylight Time
Friday, January 24
5:30 p.m.
Australian Central Daylight Time
Friday, January 24
5:00 p.m.
Australian Western Standard Time
Friday, January 24
2:30 p.m.
NBL Men fixture schedule this week
All times AEDT
Monday, January 20
Illawarra Hawks vs. Brisbane Bullets (7:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, January 22
SE Melbourne Phoenix vs. Sydney Kings (7:30 p.m.)
Perth Wildcats vs. Melbourne United (9:30 p.m.)
Thursday, January 23
Cairns Taipans vs. Illawarra Hawks (7:30 p.m.)
Friday, January 24
NZ Breakers vs. Brisbane Bullets (5:30 p.m.)
Sydney Kings vs. Adelaide 36ers (7:30 p.m.)
Saturday, January 25
SE Melbourne Phoenix vs. Tasmania JackJumpers (5:30 p.m.)
Perth Wildcats vs. Cairns Taipans (8:00 p.m.)
Sunday, January 26
Brisbane Bullets vs. Melbourne United (2:30 p.m.)
Adelaide 36ers vs. NZ Breakers (4:30 p.m.)
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >
If you’re looking to catch the exciting NBL action between the NZ Breakers and Brisbane Bullets in Round 18, here’s all the information you need to know on where to watch it:
Free Live Stream:
You can catch the NZ Breakers vs. Brisbane Bullets game for free on the NBL’s official live stream platform. Simply visit their website or download their app to watch the game live from anywhere.
Free-to-Air Channel:
If you prefer watching the game on TV, you can tune in to a free-to-air channel that broadcasts NBL games. Check your local listings to see if the game will be aired on a channel accessible to you.
Start Time:
The NZ Breakers vs. Brisbane Bullets game is scheduled to tip-off at [insert start time here]. Make sure to tune in a few minutes early to catch all the pre-game action and analysis.
Don’t miss out on the thrilling matchup between these two teams – make sure to tune in and support your favorite team!
Illawarra have strolled to a clinical NBL 121-87 belting of Brisbane, but their victory was soured by a hamstring injury to import Darius Days.
Days damaged his left hamstring while diving for a loose ball midway through the first quarter of Monday night’s clash at Wollongong’s WIN Entertainment Centre, by which time he had six points in less than two minutes.
The injury had no impact on the game, though, as the Hawks were completely untroubled, going 35-20 in the first quarter and 35-19 in the third, as they strengthened their grip on top spot.
Sam Froling (17 points) paced an even charge, with six players notching double-digits and two more scoring nine.
Illawarra also racked up a 40-minute record 37 assists – led by Trey Kell’s 11 – to just six turnovers.
Keandre Cook (19 points) top-scored for the banged-up Bullets who, already missing seven players, were dealt a massive pre-game blow when their best player Casey Prather failed a fitness test and sat out with an ankle injury.
Big Tohi Smith-Milner sent another scare through the Brisbane camp when he slowly walked off early for treatment on his right foot before returning to the court.
Illawarra hit 15-of-20 from the floor, including 4-of-4 from three-point range in the opening term, before Adams paced a brief Bullets revival to reduce the margin to 39-35 in the second.
It was never remotely close again.
Peatling rattled off 11 points inside five minutes to even up the quarter at 21-all and put the Hawks in front 56-41 at half-time.
Illawarra continued to cut Brisbane to ribbons in the third term, with Froling scoring at will in the paint and Will Hickey creating havoc at both ends.
The margin ballooned to 42 points as the Hawks emptied their bench in the fourth, with 12 of their 13 players used hitting the scoreboard.
In Illawarra’s NBL rout of Brisbane, import hurt in devastating blow
The Illawarra Hawks delivered a dominant performance against the Brisbane Bullets in their NBL clash, but the win came at a cost with one of their key imports suffering a serious injury.
The Hawks put on a clinic on both ends of the court, cruising to a comfortable victory over the struggling Bullets. However, the mood was dampened by the sight of their star import going down with a suspected season-ending injury.
The loss of their key player is a massive blow for the Hawks, who will now have to regroup and find a way to fill the void left by the injured import. Despite the setback, the team remains optimistic and determined to continue their winning ways.
Fans and supporters are rallying behind the Hawks during this challenging time, sending their well-wishes to the injured player and showing their unwavering support for the team.
As the Hawks look to move forward from this setback, they will need to rely on their depth and resilience to overcome the adversity and continue their quest for NBL glory. Stay tuned for updates on the injured player’s condition and the team’s response to this unfortunate turn of events.
Tags:
Illawarra Hawks, NBL, Brisbane Bullets, basketball, import player, game recap, Australian basketball, scoring, defense, match analysis, sports news
Djokovic has won the season’s first major a record 10 times in his career. However, in the leadup to those memorable triumphs, the Serbian claimed a title only three times, and one of them was in a team competition, at the 2020 United Cup.
The 37-year-old has enjoyed many different levels of success before arriving in Melbourne, and it has never seemed to deter him with a major trophy on the line.
Djokovic’s Australian Open titles – results from event prior
In some cases — nine to be exact — Djokovic has not competed at all ahead of the Australian Open. He captured the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup on four of those occasions, in 2008 and each year from 2011-2013.
Four years, in 2015-17 and in 2019, Djokovic played in Doha before making the trip across the ocean. Twice he won the title in Doha, in 2016 and 2017. But while he triumphed in the first of those years, he lost in the second round of the Australian Open the next.
This is the fifth consecutive season Djokovic has started in Australia with a pre-Melbourne tournament. Three times he played a teams competition, but this year the Serbian opened in Brisbane, where Djokovic fell to the big-serving Opelka.
The last time Djokovic fell in the quarter-finals of an individual knockout tournament before a Grand Slam tournament was at the 2023 Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome. His result at Roland Garros? A Coupe des Mousquetaires with the loss of just two sets across the fortnight.
Although Djokovic and his fans missed an opportunity to celebrate his 100th tour-level title in Brisbane, the numbers show that regardless of his performance ahead of a major, the 99-time tour-level champion has found ways to produce his best tennis at the ensuing Slam.
Djokovic is 94-9 with a record 10 titles at Melbourne Park, a jaw-dropping record he will try to improve later this month.
Novak Djokovic’s recent loss at the Brisbane International may have raised some eyebrows among tennis fans, but there’s no need to hit the panic button just yet. Here’s why his defeat is not cause for concern heading into the Australian Open:
1. Djokovic is a seasoned veteran: As a 20-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, Djokovic has proven time and time again that he knows how to perform on the biggest stages. One loss in a warm-up tournament does not define his overall level of play.
2. It’s just one match: Tennis is a sport where anything can happen on any given day. Djokovic may have had an off day or faced a particularly tough opponent in Brisbane. It doesn’t necessarily indicate a downward trend in his game.
3. Djokovic’s track record at the Australian Open: Djokovic has won the Australian Open a record nine times, showcasing his dominance at the first Grand Slam of the year. He knows how to peak at the right time and perform at his best when it matters most.
4. Djokovic’s mental toughness: One of Djokovic’s greatest strengths is his mental fortitude. He has the ability to bounce back from losses and setbacks, using them as motivation to improve and come back stronger.
In conclusion, while Djokovic’s loss in Brisbane may have been surprising, it’s important not to read too much into it. He remains one of the greatest players in the history of the sport and is more than capable of putting this setback behind him as he prepares for the Australian Open. Expect Djokovic to come out firing on all cylinders when the first Grand Slam of the year kicks off.
Tags:
Novak Djokovic, Brisbane loss, Australian Open, ATP Tour, tennis, Djokovic news, Grand Slam, tennis tournament, sports news, professional tennis player
Novak Djokovic suffered a surprise 7-6 (6), 6-3 defeat to Reilly Opelka in the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International on Friday while the women’s No 1, Aryna Sabalenka, cruised into the semi-finals with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win over Marie Bouzkova.
Djokovic was punished for a flat, impotent performance as he struggled to impose himself against an excellent Opelka. The defeat marks another missed opportunity for Djokovic as he pursues a milestone 100th title. He will now head to Melbourne to complete preparations for the Australian Open, a much greater priority, where he will meet up with Andy Murray for their first tournament together.
Opelka, meanwhile, was inspired from the beginning of the match and held his composure in the final moments as he served out to love for the biggest win of his career. Opelka stands at 6ft 11in and the American boasts one of the biggest serves in the world, which he used superbly, firing 16 aces and facing only one break point throughout.
“He’s the greatest tennis player the sport has ever seen,” said Opelka. “It’s difficult being in that position. He can scout me and the other opponents all day long. The reality is we have nothing to lose coming in against him. He’s the greatest player ever so you end up playing more free and you end up going and taking a lot more risks because it’s your only chance.
“If you play your normal level or even above your level, he’s going to win every time. It’s tough in his position because he gets guys who are good players that roll the dice. On a day like this when all the things go my way, that’s how it works out.”
The victory marks a significant step forward for Opelka, who was off the ATP tour for almost two years between 2022 and 2024 after undergoing two wrist operations and a hip surgery. Having been ranked as highly as No 17 in 2022, Opelka is currently No 293 and entering tour-level tournaments with a protected ranking as he tries to return to the top levels of the sport consistently.
“It was tough,” he said. “A lot of months, there were a lot of doubts. I definitely watched a lot of my friends on the TV, I watched Tommy [Paul], Taylor [Fritz], Frances [Tiafoe] and Ben [Shelton] do great, which was fun but also motivating for me, it definitely kept me interested in the sport. I watched Novak become the greatest and then two years on, a lot of the time you find yourself wondering: ‘What would Novak do?’ in that situation.”
Reilly Opelka said facing an opponent as formidable as Novak Djokovic enabled him to play with freedom. Photograph: Darren England/AAP
Sabalenka, meanwhile, has eased into the 2025 season with a string of solid performances before her Australian Open title defence next week. She has now won 26 of her past 27 matches in Australia, a run that includes two consecutive Australian Open titles, a WTA 500 title in Adelaide and a final last year in Brisbane. She is yet to drop a set in her first three matches this year.
Sabalenka will face a much tougher challenge in Saturday’s semi-final against the in-form 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva, who defeated Ons Jabeur 6-4, 7-6 (2). Andreeva upset Sabalenka in the quarter-finals of last year’s French Open.
“We had great battles in the past and we played an exhibition together in Abu Dhabi so I got to know her a little better,” said Sabalenka. “Nice person, great player and I always have great battles against her.
Aggressive player, serving well, moving well, hitting the ball quite clean so it’s going to be a great battle against her.”
In a shocking turn of events, Novak Djokovic suffered a surprising defeat in the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International tournament. The world number one, who was the top seed in the tournament, was upset by an unseeded opponent in a three-set thriller.
On the other hand, Aryna Sabalenka continued her impressive run in Brisbane as she breezed through to the semifinals with a dominating performance. The Belarusian player, who is seeded second in the tournament, showcased her powerful game and proved why she is considered a rising star in the women’s tennis circuit.
Djokovic’s unexpected loss has certainly shaken up the competition in Brisbane, with fans and analysts left wondering what went wrong for the Serbian superstar. Meanwhile, Sabalenka’s strong showing has solidified her status as a contender for the title.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Sabalenka as she looks to continue her winning streak and claim the championship. Stay tuned for more updates on the Brisbane International and the latest developments in the world of tennis.
BRISBANE, Australia — Novak Djokovic was beaten 7-6 (6), 6-3 by big-serving Reilly Opelka in the Brisbane International quarterfinals on Friday.
Opelka served 16 aces — including one to finish off each set — to earn one of the biggest wins of the American’s career.
“I was just focused on my spots,” Opelka said. “If I hit them, it’s hard to get them back. If there’s anyone that can, it’s him.”
Djokovic, 37, was playing his first tournament of the year. The 24-time Grand Slam champion is preparing for the Australian Open, which starts on Jan. 12 and which he has won 10 times.
“We have nothing to lose coming in against him. He’s the greatest player ever,” Opelka added. “So you end up playing more free and you take a lot more risk. If you play your normal level or even above a normal level, he’s going to win every time. So it’s tough in his position because he gets guys that are good players that they roll the dice. And on a on a day like this when a lot of things go my way, that’s how it works out.”
New coach Andy Murray will join Djokovic in Melbourne.
Opelka achieved a career-high ranking of No. 17 in Feb. 2022 before undergoing hip surgery later that year to remove a benign tumor. He’s now No. 293.
“It was tough. A lot of uncertainty, a lot of doubt,” Opelka said.
Lehecka beat Nicolas Jarry 6-4, 6-4, and Dimitrov advanced when Jordan Thompson retired while Dimitrov was ahead 6-1, 2-1.
In a shocking upset, Novak Djokovic has been knocked out of the Brisbane International quarterfinals by American player Reilly Opelka. The world number one and defending champion was unable to handle Opelka’s powerful serves and aggressive play, ultimately falling in straight sets.
Opelka, known for his booming serve and towering height, proved to be a formidable opponent for Djokovic. The Serbian struggled to find his rhythm and was unable to break Opelka’s serve throughout the match.
Despite his loss, Djokovic remains optimistic and focused on the upcoming Australian Open. He has a successful track record at the Grand Slam tournament and will be looking to bounce back from this early exit in Brisbane.
Opelka, on the other hand, will be riding high on this victory and looking to continue his impressive run in the tournament. The American will face a tough opponent in the semifinals, but his confidence and powerful game could see him through to the final.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Brisbane International and Djokovic’s preparations for the Australian Open. Who do you think will come out on top in the upcoming matches? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Tags:
Novak Djokovic, Reilly Opelka, Brisbane quarterfinals, tennis, upset, ATP Tour, professional tennis, rivalry, sports news, match recap, tournament results
A vibrant morning of tennis was experienced at the ATP 250 Brisbane 2025 with the playing of three matches where two of the circuit’s big hitters advanced firmly to the quarterfinals. Giovanni Mpetschi-Perricard caused an upset by defeating Tiafoe 6-4 7-6 (4), setting up a match now with Jakub Mensik who won 6-3 6-2 against Lajovic. Additionally, Reilly Opelka overcame Arnaldi with a 7-6 (9) 7-6 (4) victory and awaits Djokovic or Monfils.
The ATP Brisbane 2025 tournament kicked off with some exciting matches, as rising star Mensik advanced to the next round with a convincing victory. However, it was the surprise performance of Mpetschi Perricard that stole the show, as the underdog defeated a top seed to make it to the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, in a display of sheer talent and skill, Opelka amazed fans with his powerful serves and precise shots, dominating his opponents throughout the tournament. With each match, he continues to impress and solidify his place as a top contender.
As the competition heats up in Brisbane, fans can expect more thrilling matches and surprises as the tournament progresses. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from this exciting event.
The 21-year-old fired 19 aces and did not face a break point according to Infosys ATP Stats en route to a 7-5, 7-6(5) one-hour, 34-minute win against #NextGenATP Czech Mensik.
“I was not that calm inside. It was difficult to hold the nerves but I did well and am pleased to have finished the match in two sets and I am proud of myself,” Mpetshi Perricard said.
Alongside his heavy baseline ballstriking, Mpetshi Perricard also closed the net effectively and played aggressively on return at crucial moments to breach the defences of an increasingly frustrated Mensik, who competed at last month’s Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.
Mpetshi Perricard is chasing his third ATP Tour title and will meet big-serving American Reilly Opelka in his third tour-level semi-final on Saturday.
“I have worked a lot on the volley during the preseason and I can see it coming together,” Mpetshi Perricard said. “It will be a tough semi-final.”
Mpetshi Perricard has struck 75 aces across his three matches this season, having also defeated Nick Kyrgios and Frances Tiafoe in Brisbane. The No. 31 player in the PIF ATP Rankings led the Tour last year with an average of 19 aces per match.
In other action, Jiri Lehecka continued his impressive record on Australian soil with a 6-4, 6-4 win against Nicolas Jarry. Lehecka defeated Jarry en route to his first ATP Tour title in Adelaide last season and now leads the Chilean 2-0 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series.
Into his eighth tour-level semi-final, the Czech will play second seed Grigor Dimitrov in the last four after the Bulgarian advanced following Jordan Thompson’s retirement due to injury.
Dimitrov led the eighth-seeded Aussie 6-1, 2-1 when play was stopped. Dimitrov has fond memories in Brisbane, having lifted the trophy at the ATP 250 event in 2017 and in 2024. He will aim to win his 10th tour-level title this weekend.
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, the rising tennis star from Italy, has made a statement in Brisbane by powering into the semifinals of the ATP Tour. With his impressive skills and determination on full display, Perricard has defeated some tough opponents to secure his spot in the final four.
Perricard’s remarkable run in Brisbane has been a testament to his talent and hard work. His powerful serves, precise groundstrokes, and strategic play have kept his opponents on their toes and earned him well-deserved victories.
As he prepares to face off against his next opponent in the semifinals, tennis fans are eagerly anticipating another thrilling performance from Perricard. Will he continue his winning streak and advance to the finals? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – Perricard’s star is on the rise in the world of professional tennis.
Stay tuned for more updates on Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard’s journey in Brisbane and follow along as he aims to make his mark on the ATP Tour.
No.1 seed Aryna Sabalenka will take on No.8 Mirra Andreeva for the fourth time in Saturday’s Brisbane International semifinals after both players won their quarterfinal matches in straight sets.
The evening session saw Sabalenka avenge a loss to Marie Bouzkova in last year’s Washington semifinals, defeating the unseeded Czech player 6-3, 6-4 in 1 hour and 44 minutes. Earlier, Andreeva had improved to 2-0 overall against her childhood idol Ons Jabeur, saving two set points in the second set before closing out a 6-4, 7-6(2) victory.
Sabalenka leads the head-to-head against Andreeva 2-1, with all three previous encounters coming on clay. Sabalenka won their first two meetings in straight sets in the 2023 and 2024 editions of Madrid, but Andreeva got on the board with a 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4 triumph in last year’s Roland Garros quarterfinals.
Mirra Andreeva fends off Jabeur in Brisbane quarterfinals
Sabalenka pulls through tight opening and closing stages
Bouzkova’s previous record and speedy game style had been expected to pose a stern test for Sabalenka, not least by the World No.1 herself.
“No matter how good your shot is, you’ll get an extra ball,” Sabalenka said afterward. “So it’s really difficult against her all the time.”
This was most evident at the start and the end of their Brisbane contest. The first two games featured six deuces, and after breaking Sabalenka in the first game, Bouzkova had three opportunities to hold for a 2-0 lead. But Sabalenka came up with a series of spectacular forehands to navigate her way to an immediate break back.
The three-time major champion later required five match points to seal victory. From 5-3 down, Bouzkova saved two match points on her own serve, then held two break points to level the second set at 5-5 as Sabalenka’s forehand began to misfire. Once again, Sabalenka was clutch when she needed to be, converting her fifth match point by slamming a service winner down the tee.
In between, Sabalenka was rock solid. Bouzkova kept her game as watertight as ever, committing a paltry eight unforced errors, but Sabalenka’s tally of 42 winners to 34 unforced errors put her firmly in control. Sabalenka’s confidence was such that she even pulled off a tweener midway through the second set, though an unbothered Bouzkova nonetheless finished off the match’s best point with a backhand winner down the line.
Hot shot: Bouzkova fires backhand winner after Sabalenka tweener
Polina Kudermetova continues breakthrough; to face Kalinina
The bottom-half semifinal will feature a pair of unseeded players. Anhelina Kalinina defeated local wild card Kimberly Birrell 4-6, 6-1, 7-5, saving one match point serving down 5-4 in the second set. She will meet No.107-ranked qualifier Polina Kudermetova, who emerged on top of a clean-hitting power battle over Ashlyn Krueger 7-6(5), 6-3.
Kudermetova, 21, reached her first WTA semifinal at the end of 2024 in Merida, and has started 2025 with her second, and first at WTA 500 level. She is guaranteed to make her Top 100 debut in next week’s edition of the PIF WTA Rankings. Meanwhile, Kalinina will be bidding to reach her third career WTA final, and first since Rome 2023.
Polina Kudermetova bests Krueger in Brisbane, makes first WTA 500 semifinal
Aryna Sabalenka will have a chance at redemption as she faces off against Maria Andreeva in the semi-finals of the Brisbane International. The two players previously met in a thrilling encounter in the quarter-finals of the tournament last year, with Andreeva emerging victorious in a closely contested match.
Sabalenka, currently ranked number 4 in the world, will be looking to avenge her loss and secure a spot in the final. The Belarusian powerhouse has been in impressive form this tournament, showcasing her powerful groundstrokes and aggressive playing style.
On the other hand, Andreeva, a rising star in the tennis world, will be looking to maintain her winning streak and book her spot in the final. The Russian player has been in fine form, displaying her versatility and tactical prowess on the court.
With both players hungry for success, fans can expect another exciting and competitive match between Sabalenka and Andreeva. Stay tuned to see who will come out on top in this highly anticipated rematch.
Spanning a long day at the WTA 500 Brisbane International, Friday saw 17-year old Mirra Andreeva stun her heroine, Ons Jabeur, to secure a semi-final spot where she will meet top seed Aryna Sabalenka, who was troubled by, but overcame, Marie Bouzkova in the late evening match.
Her movement is really great. She’s fighting for every point, trying to get every ball, she’s trying to make you play an extra shot. That’s really difficult because no matter how good your shot is you have to play another shot. It’s really difficult every time and I’m really happy that I got this win in straight sets. Aryna Sabalenka
An avid student of the sport, Andreeva is channelling former teenage World No 1s Martina Hingis and Steffi Graf in her quest for a maiden WTA 500 title at the Brisbane International.
“I watch all kinds of tennis to be honest,” she said. “I sometimes watch Martina Hingis and also Steffi Graf. I mean, they are legends, you know, so I just try to kind of look up to them and see what they do on court, maybe take some stuff with me to, kind of, try to play not the same way, but to take some things that I like from them.”
Seeded 8th, and from Russia, she attained a significant win over another idol, Jabeur, winning 6-4 7-6(2), in an hour and 29 minutes with a compelling performance.
“Honestly, for me, it was a really tough match, especially mentally, because it’s always hard to play against a person that you like,” Andreeva continued. “We all like Ons.
“There is no doubt about that so, for me, first of all, it was hard to keep pushing and playing aggressive because we all know that she’s very good at playing games – drop-shots, slices – so my plan was just, you know, to keep playing aggressive, solid. I’m not sure that if this was consistent today, but I tried.”
Ons Jabeur used her bag of tricks but Mirra Andreeva prevailed in straight sets to reach the semi-finals in Brisbane on Friday
Despite the slew of errors from both in the first set, the teenager held the edge to deliver an exciting showdown in the final stages.
It took time for both to find their rhythm, and they managed to hold their first service games without facing any break points.
By the 3rd game, Andreeva, the World No 16, was already showing her frustration, throwing her racket to the court surface, while Jabeur, a former World No 2 who is currently ranked 42, gradually gained her confidence and reduced her errors.
They exchanged breaks in the 5th and 6th games, staying level until Andreeva seized her chance in the 7th to take the lead, before holding onto her serve and closing out the set, which had lacked many extended rallies.
The second offered much more entertainment, with Jabeur frequently testing her drop-shot skills and causing all sorts of problems for Andreeva, producing several brilliant points that demonstrated her remarkable repertoire.
Nevertheless, it was Andreeva who secured the first break, and piled the pressure on the Tunisian, but the 3-time Grand Slam finalist orchestrated the break back after the Russian coughed up an untimely double-fault.
The teenager appeared a little bamboozled by it all at times, and Jabeur had the chance to close the set at 5-3, but failed as she handed the game over to the Russian with a double-fault of her own.
It was all Andreeva needed to regain her composure, and she gradually took full control of the baseline rallies.
Jabeur held 2 set points at 6-5, but Andreeva held firm on her serve to force a tiebreak, and it was in the decisive moments here that the Russian displayed greater mental stability, capitalising on several early errors from the Tunisian, and stepping up when it mattered most to secure her straight sets win.
Andreeva improved to 2-0 overall against her childhood idol, who has shown good form all week as she makes her come-back after several months away due to a shoulder injury.
The Tunisian will arrive at the year’s first Grand Slam with high ambitions, no doubt, but this loss means she misses on the chance to enter the Australian Open as one of the seeds, leaving her exposed to facing top players early on in the draw.
Down but not out, World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka found her way past Marie Bouzkova to meet Mirra Andreeva in the Brisbane semi-finals
Andreeva’s next challenge is the World No 1, Sabalenka, after the Belarusian found her way over a tricky hurdle in Bouzkova, ranked 44, in what will be their 4th career encounter.
The evening session saw Sabalenka avenge a loss to Bouzkova in last year’s Washington semi-finals, and she defeated the unseeded Czech, 6-3 6-4, after an hour and 44 minutes.
“No matter how good your shot is, you’ll get an extra ball,” Sabalenka said later. “So it’s really difficult against her all the time.”
Bouzkova had already swept past two seeds, No 7 seed Jelena Ostapenko from Latvia, and No 10 Victoria Azarenka from Belarus, in straight sets and her previous record and speedy game style was expected to pose a stern test for Sabalenka.
This became evident, both at the start and the end of their Brisbane contest, and it was Bouzkova who made the quicker start.
The first 2 games featured 6 deuces, and, after breaking Sabalenka in the first game, Bouzkova had 3 chances to hold for a 2-0 lead, but the top seed came up with a series of spectacular forehands to navigate her way to an immediate break-back.
The 3-time major champion later required 5 match points to seal her win.
From 3-5 down, Bouzkova saved 2 of them on her own serve, then held 2 break points to level the second set at 5-5, as Sabalenka’s forehand began to misfire.
Once again, the World No 1 was clutch when she needed to be, converting her 5th match point by slamming down an ace down the tee.
In between, while Sabalenka was rock solid, Bouzkova kept her game as watertight as ever, committing a paltry 8 unforced errors, but the Belarusian’s tally of 42 winners to 34 miscues put her firmly in control.
Sabalenka’s confidence was such that she even pulled off a ‘tweener’ midway through the second set, although an unbothered Bouzkova nonetheless finished off the match’s best point with a backhand winner down the line.
“Her movement is really great. She’s fighting for every point, trying to get every ball, she’s trying to make you play an extra shot,” Sabalenka said. “That’s really difficult because no matter how good your shot is you have to play another shot. It’s really difficult every time and I’m really happy that I got this win in straight sets.
“Always tough battles against Marie. Last one I lost it was a really tough match, so I came into this match really focused and I’m really glad I was able to start from the beginning and able to put her under so much pressure.”
Coming into the Last 4, Sabalenka leads the head-to-head against Andreeva, 2-1, with all 3 of their prior encounters coming on clay.
The Belarusian won their first 2 meetings in straight sets in the 2023 and 2024 editions of Madrid, but Andreeva got on the better of her with a 6-7(5) 6-4 6-4 triumph in last year’s Roland Garros quarter-finals.
Anhelina Kalinina (L) brought wild-card Kimberly Birrell’s fairytale run in Brisbane to an end on Friday
The bottom-half semi-final will feature a pair of unseeded players after Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina ended local wild-card Kimberly Birrell’s fairytale run, 4-6 6-1 7-5, saving a match point while serving at 4-5 down in the second set.
Winless in Australia last season, the 27-year-old rebounded to snatch the final 3 games of the match for her 6th WTA semi-final, but only her 2nd on hard court.
“Actually, I don’t even remember the match point because every ball was really hard to get,” the World No 55 said. “Thank you very much guys for being so loud. I was expecting that but really appreciate that you came to support anyway.
“I want to give credit to Kimberly because, like, wow what a match.
“I feel [like a] specialist now because, normally when I arrive in Australia, its so hard for me to win any match, so I’m really happy to be in the semis. I didn’t expect that.”
Birrell, competing at her home base, had defeated not only two Top 50 opponents from 2021 to 2024, but had notched 2 wins already this week against such players, World No 8 Emma Navarro and No 35 Anastasia Potapova.
For two hours and 40 minutes she showed grit and courage before she fell narrowly shy against the steely Ukrainian, a player who was ranked in the Top 25 only 18 months ago.
In the semi-final, Kalinina will meet No 107-ranked Russian qualifier Polina Kudermetova, the younger sister of Veronika, who emerged on top of a clean-hitting power battle with American Ashlyn Krueger, 7-6(5) 6-3.
21-year old Kudermetova reached her first WTA semi-final at the end of 2024 in Merida, and has started 2025 with her second, and first at WTA 500 level.
She now is guaranteed to make her Top 100 debut in next week’s edition of the PIF WTA Rankings.
Meanwhile, Kalinina will be bidding to reach her 3rd career WTA final, and first since Rome 2023.
Exciting news in Brisbane as Andreeva faces off against Sabalenka in the Last 4 showdown! Stay tuned for all the action and updates on this thrilling match-up. Who will come out on top? #BrisbaneTennis #Andreeva #Sabalenka #Last4
Streaming ATP Adelaide live tennis
