Aryna Sabalenka has started her title defense at the Brisbane International with a dominant win over Cristina Bucsa.

Nick Kyrgios' hopes of playing in the Australian Open are under threat after a first-round defeat at the Brisbane International.

Venus Williams, 45, received a wild-card entry to return to the Australian Open at Melbourne Park 28 years after her first appearance.

Australian Open prize money has increased 16% on last year to a record total for the tournament starting January 18.

Venus Williams was beaten in three sets by Magda Linette on Tuesday at the Auckland Classic as the American great gears up to make history at the Australian Open aged 45. The American will play her first Australian Open in five years and will be the oldest woman ever at the Melbourne tournament after being granted a wildcard.

Belinda Bencic says she is not sure what the Australian Open organizers are "waiting for" when it comes to giving Stan Wawrinka a wildcard as she believes the 40-year-old should have already received one. 12 days before the start of the Happy Slam, five of eight singles main draw wildcards have been gone.

The Australian Open has announced a 16% increase in its prize fund, reaching A$111.5 million, marking a record for the tournament. Singles champions will receive A$4.15 million each, an increase from last year's A$3.

Explore the women’s Australian Open 2026 winner odds and predictions. Track the most recent favorites and underdogs to make your own AO betting picks.

The first Grand Slam of 2026 is coming up later this month as the Australian Open begins Down Under. This year’s event will be the 114th edition of the tournament and the 58th staging since