Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina are set to launch their 2026 seasons at a familiar spot after signing up for the Brisbane International.
On Tuesday, the organizers of the WTA 500 tournament in Brisbane announced that defending champion Sabalenka would return to the event in January. For the world No. 1, it will be her third consecutive appearance at the Australian tournament.
Shortly after announcing the Belarusian tennis star, the tournament also confirmed that Rybakina agreed to return to the event. For the 26-year-old, it will be her second appearance at the tournament. In her Brisbane debut in 2024, the Kazakh tennis star impressively won the title after destroying Sabalenka 6-0 6-3 in the final.
Rybakina destroyed Sabalenka in the 2024 Brisbane final, and the Belarusian returned determined this year
When Sabalenka and Rybakina set up a 2024 Brisbane final, it was expected to be a real showdown. But instead, it quickly turned into a one-sided battle after the Kazakh won the opening games of the match and went 6-0 2-0 before completing an impressive 6-0 6-3 win in just over an hour of play.
ADVERTISEMENT
Despite the brutal loss, the 27-year-old decided to return to Brisbane at the start of 2025. And in her pre-tournament presser, she noted that the loss to Rybakina left a sour taste in her mouth and that she wanted to make amends.
"I have a lot of great memories from here and just can't wait to start playing. Not the result I wanted at the end, but I'll try my best this year," the Belarusian said at the time.
The world No. 1 won five matches in Brisbane and completed her goal of collecting the main glory.
It is already safe to say that Sabalenka and Rybakina will be among the top favorites for the 2026 Brisbane crown.
