Sabalenka opens 2026 campaign with dominant win at Brisbane

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka opened her 2026 season with a dominant victory at the Brisbane International tennis tournament on Tuesday, reported Xinhua.

Sabalenka defeated Spain's Cristina Bucsa 6-0, 6-1 in 48 minutes in their second round match. The Belarusian, who is the defending champion in Brisbane, was granted a first round bye.

Playing in her first competitive singles match since the WTA Finals in November 2025, Sabalenka controlled the contest from the outset, winning the opening set in 22 minutes and racing to a 5-0 lead in the second before Bucsa was able to hold serve for the first time.

Sabalenka, who is seeking a third Australian Open singles title later in January, converted her first match point opportunity in the following game with her fourth ace of the match.

Earlier on Tuesday, reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys advanced to the third round in Brisbane by defeating McCartney Kessler 6-4, 6-3.

Sabalenka will play either world No. 23 Jelena Ostapenko or Romania's Sorana Cirstea in the third round, while Keys faces 21st-ranked Diana Shnaider.