Aryna Sabalenka is set for a star-studded Brisbane International before she descends upon the Australian Open at the end of the month.
The world number one is one of seven top 10 seeds who are making the Brisbane International their first tournament of the year.
Sabalenka will also play doubles in Brisbane as she begins a campaign looking for the fifth Grand Slam of her career.
The star has opened up about her thoughts on playing in Australia, including one particular aspect she is not fond of.
Aryna Sabalenka is not a fan of the Australian heat
Sabalenka arrives in Australia at the height of their summer, but the high temperatures are something the world number one struggles with.
Asked if she likes playing in Australia, Sabalenka replied: “I definitely don’t like the heat, but the people, yeah.
“I think the atmosphere — it’s always a full crowd (in Brisbane). Everyone really engages a lot with tennis. Also in Melbourne, the support there is incredible.
“I’m always super motivated when I come to Australia,” she said, asked if last year’s defeat to Keys was added incentive this time.
“Of course remembering last year’s final, I really want to do just a little bit better than I did last year. It’s a tough draw, a lot of great players. It’s a lot of matches before hitting the Australian Open.”
Sabalenka received a bye in the first round of the Brisbane International, and she will play either Cristina Bucsa or a qualifier in the second round.
Aryna Sabalenka’s incredible record in Australia
The world number one might struggle with the heat Down Under, but it has rarely affected the star’s results in the country.
Sabalenka won the Adelaide International in 2023, right before she went on to lift her very first Australian Open title.
What does Aryna Sabalenka need to change in 2026 to win multiple Grand Slam titles?
The star followed the same trajectory in 2025, but this time opted to play the Brisbane International instead, where she lifted the trophy.
Sabalenka also won the Australian Open in 2024 and reached the final of the Grand Slam in 2025. The only player to beat Sabalenka at the Australian Open in the past three years is Madison Keys.
The world number one also lifted the Australian Open doubles title in 2021, alongside long-time doubles partner Elise Mertens.
