“Going to this AO, I'm not really focusing on that result. But of course, I would like to do just a little bit better than I did last year.” - Sabalenka
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2026
Will she cross the final hurdle in #AO26?https://t.co/P7LxSMe66D
World number 1 and two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka will try for a third title when the Australian Open begins next week. Sabalenka missed out on winning three consecutive titles last year when she was defeated in the final by Madison Keys.
If things go as planned, Sabalenka will get her first real test in the quarterfinals, in which she is likely to face Marta Kostyuk (again, if things go as planned). Kostyuk recently upset Amanda Anisimova, Mirra Andreeva and Jessica Pegula on her way to the Brisbane final. The Ukrainian player reached the quarterfinals in Melbourne in 2024.
Andreeva is likely to play Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals. Gauff is 4-0 against Andreeva; three of those matches were played on clay. And two USA stars--Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula--are also likely to meet in the quarterfinals. Finally, Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek are predicted to play a quarterfinal match in Melbourne.
Those quarterfinal match-ups--assuming that they occur--are very tasty. "Assuming" is the key word, though, and an upset or two wouldn't be a surprise at all.
Let's not forget defending champion (and 9th seed) Keys, whose quarter includes 6th seed Pegula, as well as Paula Badosa and Leylah Fernandez.
There are also some interesting first-round matches:
Karolina Muchova (19) v. Jaqueline Cristian: I'm hoping that this one isn't a middle-of-the-night-in-my-time-zone match because it has the potential to be very entertaining. The stylish shot-maker supreme Muchova is always entertaining, we know, but Cristian can also be great to watch. The Romanian's game is at its best on a clay court, but she's playing well in Australia right now, and I expect her to be a good match for Muchova.
Barbora Krejcikova v. Diana Shnaider (23): The former world number 2 has fallen victim to the Czech illness/injury curse, and--just when she thinks an injury is healed--it pops up again. Lately, it's been her knee. Right now, it would be a victory for Krejcikova to just play without injury or illness. When she's healthy, the two-time major champion can beat anyone.
Magda Linette) v. Emma Navarro (15): These two have played each other only once, on a hard court; Navarro won in straight sets.
Donna Vekic v. Mirra Andreeva (8): Vekic runs hot and cold. If she happens to run hot in Melbourne, Andreeva will have all that she can handle.
Tereza Valentova v. Maya Joint: Two young players with good career potential meet for the first time.
