![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.
![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.
![Mirra Andreeva celebrates after securing the Adelaide International title. [photo credit: WTA Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_549-400x200.png)
Mirra Andreeva produced a stunning comeback to defeat Victoria Mboko and capture the Adelaide International title, continuing her rapid rise on the WTA Tour.
![Victoria Mboko eyes a third career title after victories in Canada and Hong Kong. [photo credit: WTA Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_545-400x200.png)
Victoria Mboko advanced to the Adelaide International final after a commanding 6-2, 6-1 victory over Kimberly Birrell, highlighting her rise in 2026 and setting up a possible third career title.
![Rising star Victoria Mboko keeps climbing the rankings after defeating Keys in Adelaide. [photo credit: WTA Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_538-400x200.png)
Madison Keys was upset by Victoria Mboko in the Adelaide International quarterfinals, less than a week before defending her Australian Open title.
![Melbourne Park hosts a loaded Australian Open women’s draw. [photo credit: Coco Gauff Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SnapInsta.to_610372035_18402617374120370_3748084289883897858_n-400x200.jpg)
Coco Gauff and Venus Williams may meet in the second round of the Australian Open, continuing a rivalry that began at Wimbledon in 2019.
![Early-season statement: Svitolina wins in Auckland, sending a message to the WTA field. [photo credit: ASB Classic Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_535-400x200.png)
Elina Svitolina returned from a career break to claim the 2026 ASB Classic, sending a statement to the WTA field and gaining momentum ahead of the Australian Open.
![From shaky start to dominant finish—Keys shows why she’s a Grand Slam champion. {photo credit: WTA Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_531-400x200.png)
Madison Keys overcame early serving struggles to defeat Tereza Valentova 6-4, 6-1 and advance to the quarterfinals of the Adelaide International.
![Andreeva prepares to face the winner of Maya Joint vs. Ajla Tomljanovic. [photo credit: Adelaide International Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_529-400x200.png)
World No. 8 Mirra Andreeva defeated Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-1 to reach the quarterfinals of the Adelaide International, setting up a clash with the winner of Maya Joint vs. Ajla Tomljanovic.
![Stephens will face Olivia Gadecki in a second-round rematch at Melbourne Park. [photo credit: Sloane Stephens Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_527-400x200.png)
Sloane Stephens ended a 13-match losing streak, while Kathinka Von Deichmann made history with her first Melbourne Park win as both advanced in the Australian Open qualifying draw.