World number one Aryna Sabalenka is focused on improvement rather than retribution as she begins her 2026 Australian Open campaign. The Belarusian player, who lost her title to Madison Keys in a surprising upset last year, stated she isn’t motivated by revenge as she prepares for the upcoming season. Sabalenka is currently competing in a warm-up event in Brisbane, Australia, aiming to refine her game before the Grand Slam tournament begins later this month.
Sabalenka arrived in Australia following an exhibition match against Nick Kyrgios in Dubai, and ahead of the Brisbane International. She emphasized that her approach remains consistent regardless of her previous results, whether defending a championship or facing an early exit. The Australian Open begins January 18th in Melbourne.
Aryna Sabalenka Eyes Australian Open Improvement
Sabalenka’s loss to Keys in the 2025 Australian Open final ended her bid to become the first woman since Martina Hingis to win three consecutive titles at Melbourne Park. However, the 25-year-old player downplayed the significance of the previous result, asserting that her primary goal is always to elevate her performance. She stated her focus is on self-improvement and ensuring she is fully prepared for each tournament.
According to reports, Sabalenka enjoys the atmosphere and strong fan support in Australia, despite not being a fan of the heat. She highlighted the enthusiastic engagement of Australian audiences with tennis, both in Brisbane and Melbourne. This positive environment contributes to her motivation, she added.
Preparing for a Competitive Field
The Brisbane International features a highly competitive draw, including seven of the world’s top ten players. Sabalenka received a first-round bye and will face either Cristina Bucsa of Spain or a qualifier in her opening match. This challenging field provides valuable match practice leading up to the more demanding Australian Open.
Additionally, Sabalenka explained her consistent choice to begin her season in Brisbane is due to the guaranteed high level of competition. She believes the tournament offers an ideal preparation ground for the rigors of the Grand Slam. The presence of numerous top-ranked players ensures she will face tough opponents early in the season.
While acknowledging the memory of last year’s final, Sabalenka expressed a desire to perform slightly better this time around. She approaches the tournament with a positive mindset, focusing on her own game and striving for continuous improvement. This approach reflects her broader philosophy of prioritizing personal development over external factors.
The Belarusian player’s recent “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition match against Kyrgios in Dubai provided a unique lead-in to the Australian season. While unconventional, Sabalenka indicated she is now fully focused on the challenges ahead in Australia. The match offered a different type of competitive experience, but her attention has now shifted back to professional tennis.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka’s performance in Brisbane will be closely watched as an indicator of her form heading into the Australian Open. The draw is considered particularly strong this year, presenting a significant test for all contenders. The outcome of the tournament will likely shape the early rankings and set the tone for the rest of the WTA season. The level of competition and the demanding Australian conditions will undoubtedly present challenges for Sabalenka and other top players.
The Australian Open is expected to be a closely contested event, with several players vying for the title. Sabalenka’s ability to adapt to the conditions and maintain her focus will be crucial to her success. The next few weeks will reveal whether she can reclaim her crown and achieve her goal of continuous improvement in the sport of professional tennis.
