World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka said she is “fresh and ready to go” in her bid for a third straight Australian Open title, warning she has plenty of room for improvement.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a sensational 2024, reaching seven finals and winning four titles, including the US Open.

Her year was kick-started by defending her Australian Open crown, beating China’s high-flying Zheng Qinwen in the final.

Should she triumph again, she would become the first woman to claim three straight Melbourne Park singles titles since Martina Hingis’ hat trick from 1997 to 1999.

“I feel fresh and ready to go,” the Belarusian said, according to the WTA website on Thursday, after arriving for the Brisbane International, which starts on Sunday ahead of the Australian Open from January 12.

“I love Australia and I always come here hungry and always come here ready.