![Stephens prepares for a busy spring schedule following her return to competition. [photo credit: Sloane Stephens Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_564-400x200.png)
Sloane Stephens is prioritizing health and match play as she looks to rebuild her career following a long injury layoff that disrupted her 2025 season.
![Djokovic reacts after securing his 100th career victory at the Australian Open. [photo credit: Australian Open Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_563-400x200.png)
Novak Djokovic opened his Australian Open campaign in emphatic fashion, dismissing Pedro Martinez in straight sets as he resumed his chase for a historic 25th grand slam title.
![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.
![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.
![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.