Aryna Sabalenka Enters Australian Open as Favourite, Medvedev Poised to Challenge

Posted : 12 January 2026

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka begins the Australian Open in her familiar role as favourite, though unlike previous years, she arrives without a title to defend or the momentum of a winning streak in Melbourne. The Belarusian, a two-time champion, had her 20-match winning run at the season-opening major snapped last year when American Madison Keys denied her a third consecutive title, an achievement last managed by Martina Hingis in 1999.

Despite setbacks at the French Open and Wimbledon last season, Sabalenka bounced back to claim her fourth Grand Slam at the US Open, demonstrating her readiness to contend again on the blue hardcourts of Melbourne Park. Speaking ahead of the tournament, Sabalenka emphasized that her mindset remains consistent regardless of past results. “Every time, it doesn’t matter what tournament it is… the goal is always the same—to bring my best tennis and improve my game,” she said.

Sabalenka has refined her serve, which had previously been a weakness in Australia, and her strategic use of drop shots and tactical awareness have made her a formidable opponent. She finished last season with four titles and nine finals appearances, underscoring her consistency at the top level, though a loss to Elena Rybakina in the WTA Finals ended her campaign abruptly.

Looking ahead, the 27-year-old aims to reach a fourth consecutive Australian Open final and a seventh straight hardcourt Grand Slam final, potentially matching the records of Martina Hingis and Steffi Graf in the professional era. “I’m always super motivated when I come to Australia,” Sabalenka said. “I love playing here and I want to stay here as long as possible. Of course, remembering last year’s final, I want to do a little better than I did.”

Meanwhile, three-time Australian Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev enters the tournament as a relative underdog but is confident in his form. The Russian will rise to No. 12 in the rankings after winning the Brisbane International, his second title in three months following a victory in Kazakhstan in October. “I’ve been playing very well at the end of the season,” Medvedev said. “When I’m playing good, there aren’t many players who can beat me easily.”

Despite his recent success, Medvedev acknowledged that he is not among the favourites in Melbourne, with players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz expected to dominate. He reflected on last year’s struggles, including an early loss to 19-year-old Learner Tien at the Australian Open and first-round exits at other majors. Medvedev has since changed his coaching team, now working with former Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson and Rohan Goetzke. “Last year was turbulent, and changing the team helped, so I’m happy with it,” he said.

Aryna Sabalenka Enters Australian Open as Favourite, Medvedev Poised to Challenge

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