![Sabalenka’s title defense rolls on as she books a semifinal spot at Rod Laver Arena. [photo credit: Australian Open Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_602-400x200.png)
Aryna Sabalenka shrugged off extreme heat and a spirited challenge from teenager Iva Jovic to storm into the Australian Open semifinals, keeping her bid for a third straight Melbourne crown firmly on track.
![Athletics events contributed the most gold medals for the Philippines, highlighting young para-athletes. [PSC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Para-Athletics-Medallist-and-Coaches-400x200.jpg)
The Philippines delivered its best-ever performance at the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Thailand, capturing 45 golds, 37 silvers, and 52 bronze medals, fueled by young para-athletes and standout performances in athletics, swimming, and chess.
![Croatian star Donna Vekic emphasizes confidence, hard work, and enjoying the game for young players. [PSC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ADC07100-400x200.jpg)
Croatian star Donna Vekic believes the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open can boost tennis development in the country, following the path set by Alex Eala and inspiring young players nationwide.
![Bella Belen leads Capital1 as expectations rise for the Solar Spikers. [PVL Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PVL-RC-25-Galeries-vs.-Capital1-Bella-Belen-5921-400x200.jpg)
A chaotic Premier Volleyball League offseason has redrawn the competitive map ahead of the 2026 All-Filipino Conference, with bold rebuilds and aggressive reloads creating the most open title chase in years.
![Big events, bigger impact — sports tourism goes national. [PSC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/617412469_1331455962350944_7548995238830720786_n-400x200.jpg)
The Philippines is ramping up its sports tourism push under Administrative Order No. 38, aiming to align with global benchmarks and unlock jobs, investment, and international exposure through major sporting events.
![Pegula serves during her straight-sets victory over the defending champion. [photo credit: Australian Open Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_600-400x200.png)
Jessica Pegula knocked out defending champion Madison Keys in straight sets and advanced to yet another Australian Open quarterfinal, setting up a familiar showdown with fellow American Amanda Anisimova.
![Serve on point. Mindset locked in. Jannik Sinner is built for the big stages. [photo credit: Australian Open Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_599-400x200.png)
Jannik Sinner shrugged off his heat-hit scare and delivered a composed straight-sets win over Luciano Darderi to book another Australian Open quarterfinal, extending his Grand Slam consistency and unbeaten run against Italian opponents.
CJ Perez shrugged off early struggles and a sideline incident to deliver a devastating fourth-quarter takeover, pushing San Miguel Beer to a 2-1 lead over TNT in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
![Tested but unstoppable. Gauff regains control after a mid-match lapse and secures a big win in Melbourne. [Austalian Open Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_595-400x200.png)
Coco Gauff recovered from a second-set wobble to defeat Karolina Muchova in three sets, advancing to the Australian Open quarterfinals as her Grand Slam pursuit stayed alive in Melbourne.
![Cyril Ongcoy competes in the men’s 5000-meter T12 event in Thailand [photo credit: PSC]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Cyrill-Ongcoy-400x200.jpg)
The Philippines capped a historic run at the 13th ASEAN Para Games by surpassing its previous best medal haul, highlighted by multiple gold medal performances on the final day in Thailand.