Aryna Sabalenka is already looking forward to kicking off her 2026 season at the Brisbane International as the Belarusian tennis star hopes to see fans come out once again and support her at the Australian WTA 500 event.
In 2024, Sabalenka signed up to play in Brisbane for the first time in her career. And while the world No. 1 routinely made the final with four straight-set wins, she fell short of winning the title after losing to Elena Rybakina in a blockbuster final. However, the 27-year-old Belarusian returned to the Australian event at the start of this season, and this time went a step further and collected the main glory.
After another deep and successful season – which Sabalenka concluded with a runner-up finish at the WTA Finals – she went to the Maldives to rest. When the Belarusian starts practicing again and the time for her to start the new season, she will fly to Australia and compete at the tournament slated to take place between January 04-11.
"Hi guys, I'm super excited to come back to Brisbane. Australia always feels like home and I'm super excited to come back to the Queensland Tennis Center," the world No. 1 said in a video message posted by the tournament on X.
A sweet message from Sabs 🫶
Who else is excited to see Aryna Sabalenka in Brisbane? 🙌 pic.twitter.com/HJkJwOkW7K
— Brisbane International (@BrisbaneTennis) November 21, 2025
Sabalenka pulled off a comeback to win the 2026 Brisbane title
Going into this year's final against world No. 90 Polina Kudermetova, the world No. 1 was the absolute favorite to win the match. But after blowing an early first-set lead and stunningly dropping the opener, the four-time Grand Slam champion found herself in trouble. However, she managed to raise her game and ultimately complete a 4-6 6-3 6-2 comeback win.
Sabalenka will certainly be the No. 1 favorite for the title at the Australian WTA 500 tournament in 2026 as well. Then, the Belarusian will head to the Australian Open, seeking her third crown at Melbourne Park.
