Heading Down Under: Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina and Madison Keys announce opening tournaments to 2026 campaign

While the 2025 season is still going, many of the top players have already shifted their focus to the start of 2026, when tennis goes Down Under. A trio of WTA stars have confirmed their first destination, with Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina off to Brisbane, while Madison Keys confirms a return to Adelaide.

With the opening Grand Slam approaching in Melbourne, players are looking to get in the best shape possible to capitalise on what is a luxurious competition, and possible life-changing if they go on a deep run. Despite their tennis still to be played in this year, priorities have been vastly shifted to the grand possibilities that could await in 2026, as the athletes attempt to steal a march on their opponents.

2025 year has been an incredible one for Sabalenka. Despite the multiple heart-breaking Grand Slam near-misses, she has kicked on from regaining the world number one ranking from her rival Iga Swiatek, extending her lead over the Pole. While it may be under threat from the charging Swiatek, Sabalenka will be hoping to start 2026 they way she began 2025: with a triumph in the Brisbane International.

It was a commanding win for the Belarusian, not dropping a set until the final where she came back from a set down to defeat qualifier Polina Kudermetova to make up for the disappointing final defeat the year prior and become the first person from her country to win in the Australian city since Victoria Azarenka in 2016.

“I’m super happy to be heading back to Brisbane,” Sabalenka said. “I have a lot of great memories from Australia, it always feels like home. I enjoy playing at the Queensland Tennis Centre. I love the support and I hope it’s going to be on my side when the new season rolls around.”

Her 2024 final defeat was delivered by Rybakina, who comes into the event after skipping it last year. She blasted her way past everyone who dared to challenge her, losing just three games in the final against Sabalenka.

Glory will be on the mind once more for the Kazakhstani, who recently clinched the title in the Ningbo Open, heavily boosting her chances of a place in the WTA Finals in Riyadh. Her return to form will be a welcome sight for the fans in Brisbane, with the 2022 Wimbledon champion looking to continue her unbeaten streak.

“I’m so excited to be returning to Brisbane International,” Rybakina said. “I love the city of Brisbane, and I genuinely enjoy playing here. The fans and the atmosphere make it a great experience.”

Keys played 12 matches in Australia earlier this year and was victorious in every single one. After clinching the Adelaide International title against fellow countrywoman Jessica Pegula, she went and won the Australian Open, defeating Sabalenka in the final for her maiden Grand Slam triumph. With a lot of ranking points on the line, the American has a hugely important series of events that she needs to deliver in, with her first priority being defending her WTA 500 title in Adelaide before traversing to Melbourne. 

She has not featured on the court since a shock US Open first round defeat to Renata Zarazua, an event that she reached the semi-finals of in 2024. Since then, she has stayed away from the court due to a wrist injury and the demanding schedule. She is likely to next appear on the court in Riyadh for the WTA Finals, as she looks to get back on track ahead of what is going to be a dramatic opening series of events to 2026.

"I'm incredibly excited to return to Adelaide to defend my title," Keys said in a statement. "This tournament means so much to me, and the energy from the fans and the event organizers makes it such a special place to compete."