Brisbane International: Aryna Sabalenka defeats Renata Zarazua in the second round

World number one Aryna Sabalenka opened her season with a 6-4, 6-0 victory over Renata Zarazua at the Brisbane International.

After receiving a bye for the first round, Sabalenka took just 63 minutes to beat Zarazua of Mexico and set up a third-round matchup against Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan.

Sabalenka begins the year as the top-ranked player for the first time in her career after winning the US Open in September.

The Belarusian is aiming to win her third consecutive Australian Open in January, but said she is not worried about the weight of expectations hanging over her.

“I have to say I’m over that stage of being under pressure,” Sabalenka said.

“When you’re in the top five, you’re always under pressure with ranking points and all the title defenses, so I prefer to focus on myself.

“So I’m always hungry and I’m always hungry for titles, for victories. Winning is addictive.”

Sabalenka reached the final of the Brisbane International last season, but lost to Elena Rybakina.