Overview
- Aryna Sabalenka beat Sorana Cirstea 6-3, 6-3 in Brisbane to reach the quarterfinals, where she will face Madison Keys after the American edged Diana Shnaider in three tiebreaks.
- Calling the calendar “insane,” the world No. 1 said she will skip select tournaments in 2026 to protect her body despite expecting fines or ranking-point deductions.
- Under current WTA requirements, top players must enter four Grand Slams, 10 WTA 1000s and six WTA 500s, with non-compliance punished by fines or zero-point penalties.
- Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek were docked ranking points in 2025 for not meeting the minimum WTA 500 participation.
- She cited rising injuries on tour and described the balls as “quite heavy,” while the WTA has previously said athlete welfare is a top priority.