Aryna Sabalenka says having two Australian Open titles definitely boosts her confidence going into the Happy Slam, but also underlines that every year brings "a new challenge."
For the past couple of years, the Belarusian tennis star has been the most dominant force at Melbourne Park.
In 2023, Sabalenka finally made her long-desired Grand Slam breakthrough when she became a Major champion at the Australian Open. The following year, the current world No. 1 completed back-to-back triumphs at Melbourne Park. This year, the Belarusian came inches away from pulling off a three-peat in Melbourne before losing to Madison Keys in a three-set thriller final.
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Heading into the 2026 Happy Slam, Sabalenka is widely regarded as a top favorite for the title. However, the likes of Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina will also certainly have something to say.
Sabalenka: Winning the Australian Open twice gives me confidence... Excited to see what I can achieve in 2026
Absolutely. The Australian Open is very special to me. Winning it twice gives me confidence, but every year brings a new challenge. Im excited to return and see what I can achieve," the two-time Melbourne champion told Gulf News.
For the first month of 2026, Sabalenka's goal will be to try to win her third title at Melbourne Park, and overall her fifth Grand Slam title. Long-term, the Belarusian's goal will be to stay healthy and deliver another consistent year.
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The priority is staying healthy, improving consistency and continuing to evolve my game. Im always looking for small areas where I can get better, both physically and mentally. Preparations are going well, and Im motivated to keep building on the level Ive reached this season," the 27-year-old noted.
Had Sabalenka won the 2025 Australian Open edition, she would have become the sixth WTA player in tennis history to do so.
