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 Keysconfirms 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 theBrisbane 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.