Overview
- World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka arrives as favorite after a dominant Brisbane title and will remain atop the rankings regardless of her Australian Open result.
- Defending champion Madison Keys tunes up as Adelaide’s No. 2 seed and is set to start her preparation there after a Brisbane quarter-final run.
- Iga Swiatek downplayed concern after United Cup losses to Coco Gauff and Belinda Bencic, saying she is “super sore” but expects to recover before play begins on January 18.
- The updated WTA order lists Sabalenka, Swiatek and Gauff as the top three, with Belinda Bencic back to No. 10 following a 5-0 singles run and MVP honors at the United Cup.
- Fitness watch includes Clara Tauson, who retired in Adelaide with a left hamstring issue and has not disclosed the extent of the injury.