Overview
- Aryna Sabalenka beat Madison Keys 6-3, 6-3 to reach the Brisbane International semifinals and next faces Karolina Muchova.
- Sabalenka called the calendar “insane” and said she will skip tournaments to protect her body despite potential fines or point deductions.
- She and Iga Swiatek lost ranking points in 2025 for not meeting WTA 500 participation requirements, highlighting the pressure of mandatory-event rules.
- Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen withdrew from the Australian Open, citing incomplete readiness after elbow surgery, with the tournament starting January 18.
- Nick Kyrgios ruled himself out of Australian Open singles, saying he is not ready for five-set matches, and will focus on doubles with Thanasi Kokkinakis.