![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.
![Aryna Sabalenka continues her Australian dominance and will face Karolina Muchova in the Brisbane International semifinals. [photo credit: Brisbane International Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_515-400x200.png)
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka reached the Brisbane International semifinals on Friday, Jan. 9, defeating Madison Keys in a straight-set rematch of the 2025 Australian Open final.
![Sabalenka powers through her Brisbane International opener in under an hour. [photo credit: Aryna Sabalenka Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_502-400x200.png)
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka launched her 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion at the Brisbane International, overwhelming Spain’s Cristina Bucsa in her opening match as she builds momentum toward the Australian Open.