Aryna Sabalenka’s 2026 Schedule
As the 2026 WTA season approaches, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has confirmed her path through the “Australian Summer,” aiming to dominate the hard courts where she has historically excelled. Bypassing the United Cup team event, Sabalenka will focus on a traditional buildup: a high-level warm-up tournament followed by the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne.
1. The Warm-Up: Brisbane International
- Tournament: Brisbane International presented by ANZ (WTA 500)
- Dates: January 4 – January 11, 2026
- Location: Queensland Tennis Centre, Brisbane
- Surface: Outdoor Hard
Sabalenka is set to kick off her 2026 campaign at the Brisbane International. This WTA 500 event is a favorite for top seeds looking to acclimatize to the Australian heat without the fatigue of the team-based United Cup (which runs concurrently in Perth and Sydney).
According to entry lists, Sabalenka will headline a strong field that is also expected to include fellow top-10 contenders like Elena Rybakina. By choosing Brisbane, Sabalenka ensures a competitive start to the year, guaranteeing roughly 3-5 high-quality matches if she makes a deep run, which is crucial for rhythm before Melbourne.
2. The Main Event: The Australian Open
- Tournament: Australian Open (Grand Slam)
- Dates: January 18/19 – February 1, 2026
- Location: Melbourne Park, Melbourne
- Surface: Outdoor Hard
Following Brisbane, Sabalenka is expected to take a training week (the week of January 12) to fine-tune her preparations, skipping the Adelaide International or Hobart International to preserve energy.
She will then arrive at Melbourne Park as a primary title contender. The Australian Open remains the centerpiece of her early season. With the tournament provisional schedule indicating First Round matches beginning around Sunday, January 18, Sabalenka will likely be defending massive ranking points. Her aggressive baseline game is perfectly suited to the Melbourne courts, making this the most critical fortnight of her first quarter.
Summary of January Commitments
| Dates | Tournament | Tier | Status |
| Jan 4 – 11 | Brisbane International | WTA 500 | Confirmed |
| Jan 12 – 18 | Training / Rest Week | N/A | No Tournament |
| Jan 19 – Feb 1 | Australian Open | Grand Slam | Confirmed |
Tactical Outlook
By opting for the Brisbane-Melbourne double, Sabalenka is prioritizing rest and peak performance over match volume. Unlike players participating in the grueling United Cup or playing back-to-back weeks in Adelaide, her schedule allows for a singular focus: peaking during the second week of the Australian Open.
