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2026 Brisbane International
January 4 – January 11 AEST
As the tennis world turns its eyes toward the new season, the 2026 Brisbane International stands as one of the premier curtain-raisers for the Australian Summer of Tennis. Returning to the Queensland Tennis Centre with its electrifying atmosphere and world-class field, this combined ATP 250 and WTA 500 event promises to set the tone for the upcoming Australian Open.
With defending champions eager to retain their crowns and a host of rising stars looking to make an early statement, the 2026 edition is shaping up to be a blockbuster. This guide covers everything you need to know, from the confirmed player field and schedule to prize money and historical context.
Pre-Tournament Highlights: The Road to 2026
The buildup to the 2026 Brisbane International has been dominated by high-profile player announcements and the return of tennis giants to Queensland. As the first week of the new season, the tournament serves as a critical litmus test for players’ off-season preparations.
Star-Studded Player Field
The headline news for 2026 is the incredible depth of the player field. On the men’s side, former World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev leads the charge. Known for his tactical brilliance and deep runs on hard courts, Medvedev is looking to capture his first Brisbane title. He is joined by the defending champion, Jiří Lehečka, who stunned the field in 2025 with his aggressive baseline game.
The tournament also features one of the most exciting young prospects in tennis: Brazilian sensation João Fonseca. After a breakout 2025 season, Fonseca’s inclusion adds a layer of youthful unpredictability to the draw. Other notable ATP entries include the explosive Tommy Paul, Canadian shot-maker Denis Shapovalov, and local favorite Alexei Popyrin.
On the women’s side, the field is equally formidable. World No. 1 and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka returns to a court she has dominated in recent years. She will face stiff competition from 2024 champion Elena Rybakina, whose power game is perfectly enhancing for the quick Brisbane courts. The American contingent is strong, with Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, and the resurgent Amanda Anisimova all confirmed. Additionally, teenage phenomenon Mirra Andreeva continues her rapid ascent, arriving in Brisbane as a seeded threat rather than just a promising talent.
Strategic Partnerships and Fan Experience
Off the court, the tournament has announced Liquid I.V. as the Official Hydration Supplement Partner for 2026, signaling a focus on player wellness and performance in the notorious Queensland heat. The “Ground Pass” experience has also been revamped for 2026, with the “Family Fun Day” on Sunday, Jan 4, expected to draw record crowds with interactive activations and open practice sessions.
2026 Stars to Watch
ATP (Men’s Draw)
- Daniil Medvedev: A master of the hard court, Medvedev’s defensive wall and flat groundstrokes make him the theoretical favorite. His form here will be a strong indicator of his Australian Open chances.
- Jiří Lehečka (CZE): The 2025 champion has huge points to defend. His ability to hit through the court was unmatched last year, but the pressure of defending a title is a new challenge.
- João Fonseca (BRA): The “Next Gen” spotlight is firmly on Fonseca. Fans should watch his matches for pure entertainment and explosive forehand winners.
- Grigor Dimitrov (BUL): A former champion (2017, 2024) and beloved figure in Brisbane, Dimitrov’s stylish game always draws a crowd. He remains a dangerous floater who thrives in these conditions.
WTA (Women’s Draw)
- Aryna Sabalenka: The undisputed Queen of Australia in recent years. Her power game is often unplayable in Brisbane. Watch for her serve statistics—if she is serving well, she is nearly unbeatable here.
- Elena Rybakina (KAZ): The cool-headed Kazakh is the perfect foil to Sabalenka’s fire. Her serve is arguably the best on tour, and she will be looking to reclaim the trophy she lifted in 2024.
- Mirra Andreeva: No longer just a prodigy, Andreeva is now a legitimate contender. Her court craft and tennis IQ are well beyond her years, and she could easily upset the top seeds.
- Karolina Pliskova (CZE): A three-time champion (2017, 2019, 2020), Pliskova enters as a veteran wildcard or lower seed, but her history at this venue makes her a dangerous first-round opponent for anyone.
Tournament Schedule (Provisional)
The 2026 event kicks off early with qualifying rounds, leading into a packed week of main draw action. Below is the provisional schedule of play.
| Date | Session / Round | Start Time | Approx. Finish |
| Fri, Jan 2 | Qualifying (Day Session – Free Entry) | 10:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Sat, Jan 3 | Qualifying (Day Session – Free Entry) | 10:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Sun, Jan 4 | Ground Pass (Family Fun Day) | 11:00 AM | N/A |
| Qualifying / R1 Singles (Day Session) | 11:00 AM | 7:00 PM | |
| Mon, Jan 5 | R1 Singles (Day Session) | 11:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| R1 Singles (Night Session) | 6:30 PM | 11:00 PM | |
| Tue, Jan 6 | R1 / R2 Singles (Day Session) | 11:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| R2 Singles (Night Session) | 6:30 PM | 11:00 PM | |
| Wed, Jan 7 | R2 Singles (Day Session) | 11:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| Night Session (Pat Rafter Arena) | 6:30 PM | 11:00 PM | |
| Thu, Jan 8 | R2 / R3 Singles (Day Session) | 11:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| Night Session (Pat Rafter Arena) | 6:30 PM | 11:00 PM | |
| Fri, Jan 9 | Quarterfinals (Day Session) | 11:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| Quarterfinals (Night Session) | 6:30 PM | 11:00 PM | |
| Sat, Jan 10 | Semifinals (Day Session – Women’s & Men’s) | 11:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| Semifinals (Night Session – Men’s & W. Dbls Final) | 6:30 PM | 11:00 PM | |
| Sun, Jan 11 | FINALS (Men’s Dbls, Women’s Sgls, Men’s Sgls) | 2:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
Prize Money & Ranking Points
The Brisbane International offers significant financial incentives and ranking points, particularly valuable for players looking to secure seedings ahead of the Australian Open.
WTA Prize Money & Points (WTA 500)
The total financial commitment for the women’s event is USD 1,691,602.
- Winner: $214,530 (500 Points)
- Runner-up: $134,600 (325 Points)
- Semifinalist: $77,115 (195 Points)
- Quarterfinalist: $37,640 (108 Points)
- Round of 16: $19,909 (60 Points)
- Round of 32: $13,735 (32 Points)
- Round of 64: $11,920 (1 Point)
ATP Prize Money & Points (ATP 250)
The ATP total prize money pool is USD 800 045.
- Winner: $114,060 (250 Points)
- Runner-up: $66,555 (165 Points)
- Semifinalist: $38,885 (100 Points)
- Quarterfinalist: $21,980 (50 Points)
- Round of 16: $12,885 (25 Points)
- Round of 32: $7,740 (0 Points)
Recap: The 2025 Edition Champions
The 2025 tournament was a spectacle of aggressive tennis, setting a high bar for the upcoming year.
Men’s Singles Champion: Jiří Lehečka (CZE) Lehečka claimed his maiden ATP title in Brisbane in 2024 (2025 season), displaying a frightening level of dominance. In the final, he defeated the towering American Reilly Opelka with a score of 4–1 (retired). While the final ended abruptly due to Opelka’s injury, Lehečka’s path to the trophy was undeniable, having taken out top seeds with his piercing forehand.
Women’s Singles Champion: Aryna Sabalenka Sabalenka reaffirmed her love affair with Australian hard courts by demolishing the field. She defeated the surprise finalist, Polina Kudermetova, in straight sets (6–4, 6–3). Sabalenka’s campaign was a masterclass in controlled aggression, and she did not drop a set throughout the week, signaling the form that would make her the favorite for the majors.
Doubles Champions
- Men: The British duo of Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash took home the trophy, defeating the Czech pairing of Lehečka and Jakub Menšík in a thrilling match tie-break.
- Women: The young powerhouse team of Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider captured the title, proving that the next generation had arrived in both singles and doubles.
Venue & History: The Queensland Tennis Centre
Established in 2009, the Brisbane International quickly became a fan favorite due to its intimate yet electric venue. The Queensland Tennis Centre in Tennyson features the Pat Rafter Arena, a 5,500-seat center court covered by a PTFE glass fiber fabric roof. This roof is crucial, as it allows play to continue during the frequent Queensland summer storms and provides much-needed shade from the blistering sun.
The tournament has a rich history of champions. Roger Federer famously won here in 2015, winning over the locals with his grace and praising the tournament’s organization. Andy Murray is a two-time champion (2012, 2013), and Serena Williams likewise dominated the women’s draw in 2013 and 2014.
The event took a hiatus and format change during the COVID-19 pandemic and the brief ATP Cup era but returned to its full combined glory in 2024. It is now firmly re-established as the “must-play” event for those serious about winning the Australian Open.
Why It Matters
Brisbane is distinct because of its conditions. The humidity is often higher than in Melbourne, and the courts can play slightly faster. Players who succeed here are usually the ones who have done their off-season fitness work diligently. It is often said in tennis circles: “If you are fit enough to win Brisbane, you are fit enough to win the Slam.”
Conclusion
The 2026 Brisbane International is set to be a festival of tennis. With Daniil Medvedev seeking to add a new trophy to his cabinet, Aryna Sabalenka aiming for a “Three-peat” of dominance in Australia, and young guns like João Fonseca and Mirra Andreeva ready to upset the hierarchy, the storylines are endless.
For fans attending, the blend of night-session drama at Pat Rafter Arena and the accessible outside courts makes for a perfect summer day out. For viewers at home, it is the official signal that tennis is back.