Aryna Sabalenka enters the 2026 Australian Open determined to erase the heartbreak of last year’s shocking final loss to Madison Keys, when her previously dominant form at Melbourne Park was halted. After a stellar start to the season, highlighted by a commanding Brisbane International title where she defeated Keys in straight sets, the world No. 1 arrives in Melbourne brimming with confidence and intent to reclaim her crown.
Sabalenka begins her campaign against French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah and faces a potentially tricky third-round clash with 28th seed Emma Raducanu. While her quarter looks manageable with Jasmine Paolini and Clara Tauson as possible hurdles, deeper rounds could see blockbuster matchups against Coco Gauff, Iga Witek, or a rematch with Madison Keys, as she seeks redemption and a third Australian Open title.
