WORLD number one Aryna Sabalenka began the new season with a straightforward victory at the Brisbane International today.

Sabalenka, who will bid for a third straight Australian Open title next month, needed only 65 minutes to see off Mexican Renata Zarazua 6-4 6-0.

The Belarusian told a press conference: “I’m super happy to be back in Australia. It really feels like home. I love the atmosphere. Doesn’t matter where you play, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, it’s always an amazing atmosphere.

“It’s great to start the season, playing the tournament before the big one. I really hope I can do well here and I can come back really strong in Melbourne.”

Ons Jabeur, playing her first tournament since August following a shoulder injury, reached the third round with a 6-3 6-2 victory over 14th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova.

“I played really good and I’m happy with the level,” said the two-time Wimbledon finalist.

“We came to Brisbane expecting nothing. We didn’t know whether we should come or not. After not playing for a while, the points are much different than playing in training. I’m very happy with the win and hopefully I can continue the level.”

Teenager Mirra Andreeva was also victorious, beating Anna Blinkova 6-4 6-4, but fourth seed Paula Badosa, fifth seed Diana Shnaider, sixth seed Anna Kalinskaya and seventh seed Jelena Ostapenko all lost.