Brisbane International News: Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic on Day 5

We are inching ever closer to the Australian Open, but before the first Grand Slam of the year begins, four tournaments have to finish. One of those is the Brisbane International which features players such as WTA No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic. Both are in action on day 5 in Brisbane.

Oddly, neither has ever won the event before. Djokovic has skipped it in most recent years and chosen to prepare for the Aussie Open a different way. Not that it has stunted his success. The Serb has won in Melbourne ten times, the most of any men's player ever.

The same could be said of Sabalenka. Not winning or playing in Brisbane has not been an issue as she won the Australian Open in each of the last two years. A win at the event this year, though, would only solidify her top ranking and could be the first step in the best year of her career.

Preview and predictions for Day 5 of the 2025 Brisbane International

Frances Tiafoe versus Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard

Perricard has the biggest serve of anyone in tennis, but he hasn't developed much else of a game. If he struggles with his serve or faces a good returner, he will lose. Tiafoe has the athleticism to overcome Perricard. Still, the only time the two have met the Frenchman won. That was at the 2024 Paris Masters. Perricard will probably win again.

Elina Avanesyan versus Ons Jabeur

Jabeur struggled in 2024, compared to her success in recent years, and is looking to start anew in 2025. Avanesyan will not be an easy win, however. The Russian finished in the top 50 for the first time last year and, at just 22 years old, is likely an ascending player. The guess is that Jabeur sneaks through, though.

Novak Djokovic versus Gael Monfils

Two ageless wonders. Monfils has not been nearly as successful as Djokovic but is just as fun to watch in a match. Monfils' ability to move well and Djokovic return ability could make for a long match, but a highly entertaining one. Djokovic should still earn the victory.

Aryna Sabalenka versus Yulia Putintseva

These two have met twice, but the length of time between their match was five years. Putintseva got the win the first time, but that was in 2019. Last year, Putintseva took the first set of Sabalenka in Wuhan but then the Belarusian routed the Kazakh in the final two sets. This will probably be the same kind of match and Sabalenka will move closer to the final.

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