Last year’s Australian Open finalists, Madison Keys and Aryna Sabalenka, opened their 2026 campaigns with dominant wins at the Brisbane International.
World No.1 Sabalenka crushed Spain’s Cristina Bucsa 6-0, 6-1 in just 47 minutes, striking 23 winners and committing only seven unforced errors. The Belarusian’s power and precision proved too strong, continuing her winning pattern from last year’s US Open. Meanwhile, defending Australian Open champion Keys defeated McCartney Kessler 6-4, 6-3, securing her first victory on Australian soil since her maiden major.
Both players expressed satisfaction with their performances, emphasizing preseason preparation, tactical improvements, and goals for the year ahead.