Reigning Champions Power Through at Brisbane International 2026
The 2026 Brisbane International continues to serve as a crucial warm-up for the upcoming Australian Open, with defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and other top seeds delivering dominant performances as the tournament moves into the Round of 16.
Top Seeds in Command
World No. 1 and defending Brisbane champion Aryna Sabalenka wasted no time on Thursday, defeating Romania's Sorana Cîrstea 6-3, 6-3 to secure her quarterfinal spot. Her serve and powerful groundstrokes proved too much for the veteran, solidifying her status as the tournament favorite.
She was joined in the next round by Elena Rybakina, the 2025 Wimbledon champion. The No. 3 seed from Kazakhstan dispatched Spain's Paula Badosa with a similarly efficient 6-3, 6-2 victory, showcasing the form that makes her a perennial Grand Slam threat. Other notable women's results saw American Madison Keys, the 2025 Australian Open champion, and Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska advance, setting up a compelling quarterfinal lineup.
Men's Tournament Sees Favorites Advance
On the men's side, top seed Daniil Medvedev cruised into the quarterfinals with a convincing 6-3, 6-2 win over American Frances Tiafoe on Wednesday. The 2021 US Open winner displayed his trademark baseline mastery and appears to be tuning up perfectly for Melbourne.
The men's draw also featured a successful return for Australian fan favorite Nick Kyrgios, who won his first-round match on Tuesday. However, the tournament saw its first major upset when American giant Reilly Opelka was knocked out in a thrilling three-tiebreak marathon against Poland's Kamil Majchrzak on Wednesday night.
Looking Ahead
The action intensifies on Friday with the men's and women's quarterfinals. Sabalenka is projected to face a sterner test, while Medvedev will look to continue his smooth progress. The tournament, broadcast in Australia on 9Go and 9Now, runs through the finals on Sunday, January 11th, offering the last glimpse of top players before the Australian Open.
