![Gauff in action during her opening round of the Australian Open 2026. [photo credit: Australian Open Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_558-400x200.png)
Coco Gauff opened her 2026 Australian Open run with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Kamilla Rakhimova. The world No. 3 showcased speed and precision as she aims for another deep tournament run.
![PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio with PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco and Executive Secretary Ralph Recto [PSC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/IMG_3627-400x200.jpeg)
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and PAGCOR have joined forces to accelerate nationwide sports development. The partnership focuses on upgrading facilities, expanding grassroots programs, and building regional training centers to nurture world-class Filipino athletes.
CORTIS, the rising K-pop boy band, has joined Friends of the NBA, the league’s celebrity and influencer program in Asia. The collaboration includes performances, NBA Crossover appearances, and co-developed merchandise.
![The Philippine wheelchair 3x3 team prepares for action at the ASEAN Para Games in Thailand. [PSC file photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/DSC_0083-400x200.jpg)
The Philippines begins its ASEAN Para Games 2026 run in Nakhon Ratchasima as its wheelchair 3×3 basketball and cerebral palsy football teams open play on Monday.
![Kaye Ann Emana (third from left) earned a wild card slot to the Philippine Women's Open qualifying round after beating Elizabeth Abarquez (second from left) in the finals of the PHILTA qualifying meet at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center last Thursday night. [PSC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_557-400x200.png)
UAAP Season 87 MVP Kaye Ann Emana advanced to the Philippine Women’s Open qualifying draw after defeating NU’s Elizabeth Abarquez in a hard-fought match in Manila.
![Sabalenka hit 23 winners to secure a strong start at the Australian Open 2026. [photo credit: WTA Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_556-400x200.png)
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus began her Australian Open journey with a straight-set victory over French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah, taking the first step toward a potential fifth Grand Slam title.
![Serge Gnabry celebrates after scoring for Bayern Munich against RB Leipzig. [photo credit: Bundesliga Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_555-400x200.png)
Bayern Munich bounced back from an early setback to thrash RB Leipzig 5-1, extending their lead atop the Bundesliga and demonstrating their superiority in the league.
![Zverev in action during his four-set victory on Sunday. [photo credit: WTA Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_552-400x200.png)
Alexander Zverev shook off a slow start to defeat Gabriel Diallo in four sets, advancing to the second round of the Australian Open in Melbourne.
Nearly 50 years ago, the Basketball Association of the Philippines reinstated Robert Jaworski and Alberto “Big Boy” Reynoso, ending a lifetime suspension stemming from a 1971 MICAA incident.
BRAVE CF lead voice Phil Campbell earned top honors at the Energized Irish MMA Awards, recognizing his impact on global fight broadcasting.