Overview
- Aryna Sabalenka retained the Brisbane International without losing a set and extends her lead at world No. 1, entering Melbourne as the form favorite.
- Iga Swiatek followed losses to Coco Gauff and Belinda Bencic at the United Cup by saying she is "just super sore" and focusing on recovery and technical work before the Slam.
- Poland captured the United Cup 2-1 after Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski won the deciding mixed doubles, despite Bencic’s three-set win over Swiatek.
- Madison Keys, preparing in Adelaide after a Brisbane quarterfinal loss to Sabalenka, is reframing the pressure of her Australian Open title defense as a "cool opportunity."
- The latest WTA rankings show Coco Gauff up to No. 3, Belinda Bencic back in the top 10 on United Cup MVP form, and Madison Keys down to No. 9 as the draw takes shape for January 18.