If January is about telling signals rather than collecting silverware, the opening fortnight of 2026 is already doing plenty of talking. The world’s best have largely converged on Australia and New Zealand, but not in identical ways—and the choices made by Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Amanda Anisimova hint at sharply different priorities heading into Melbourne.
Between January 2–11 and January 12–17, the WTA’s elite are spread across Brisbane, the United Cup, Auckland, Adelaide and Hobart, with one notable absentee still waiting on the sidelines.
Brisbane International: The Power Base
Brisbane has quietly become the gravity point of the opening week, pulling in depth as well as star power. Aryna Sabalenka begins her season here, opting for one sharp hit-out before the Australian Open. Amanda Anisimova joins her, continuing a trend of backing match volume over team events.
Also in Brisbane are Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, Mirra Andreeva and Ekaterina Alexandrova, giving the event a near–Grand Slam feel before January has properly begun.
Players in Brisbane (Week 1):
- Aryna Sabalenka
- Amanda Anisimova
- Elena Rybakina
- Jessica Pegula
- Madison Keys
- Mirra Andreeva
- Ekaterina Alexandrova
- Clara Tauson
- Linda Nosková
- Liudmila Samsonova
- Karolína Muchová
- Diana Shnaider
- Leylah Annie Fernandez
- Jelena Ostapenko
- Paula Badosa
- Marta Kostyuk
- Dayana Yastremska
- Sofia Kenin
- Veronika Kudermetova
- McCartney Kessler
United Cup: Star Names, Team First
The United Cup again attracts players who value rhythm through competition rather than repetition. Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff headline the field, making it the only event outside Brisbane to feature multiple Top 10 players.
Jasmine Paolini predictably commits for Italy, while Belinda Bencic continues her steady return via team tennis. Naomi Osaka’s late pivot from Auckland to the United Cup was one of the early talking points, and Canada arrive with intrigue thanks to Victoria Mboko’s rapid ascent.
Players in the United Cup (Week 1):
- Iga Świątek
- Coco Gauff
- Jasmine Paolini
- Belinda Bencic
- Naomi Osaka
- Victoria Mboko
- Emma Raducanu
- Elise Mertens
- Maya Joint
Auckland: A Smaller, Sharper Stage
The ASB Classic in Auckland carries a lighter top-end feel, but it is not without pedigree. Elina Svitolina and Emma Navarro lead the field, using the event as a focused tune-up rather than a statement of intent.
Players in Auckland (Week 1):
- Elina Svitolina
- Emma Navarro
Adelaide: The Second-Week Shuffle
Adelaide remains the bridge between preparation and pressure. Jessica Pegula is the highest-ranked name doubling up, joined by a long list of players seeking one final calibration before Melbourne Park.
It is telling how many who start in Brisbane roll straight into Adelaide, preferring continuity over rest.
Players in Adelaide (Week 2):
- Jessica Pegula
- Madison Keys
- Mirra Andreeva
- Ekaterina Alexandrova
- Belinda Bencic
- Clara Tauson
- Linda Nosková
- Emma Navarro
- Liudmila Samsonova
- Victoria Mboko
- Diana Shnaider
- Leylah Annie Fernandez
- Jelena Ostapenko
- Paula Badosa
- Marta Kostyuk
- Dayana Yastremska
- Sofia Kenin
Hobart: The Outlier Route
Elise Mertens stands alone among the Top 32 in choosing Hobart as her second-week stop, pairing it with a United Cup start. It is a different route, but one she has rarely been afraid to take.
Players in Hobart (Week 2):
Elise Mertens
The Quiet Name on the List
One absence remains conspicuous. Zheng Qinwen has not entered any warm-up event and, as things stand, is set to begin her season directly at the Australian Open. After an aborted comeback last year, her silence is understandable—but still notable.
Sabalenka, Swiatek and Rybakina will all log exhibition appearances in the final week of 2025, yet none of the Top 5 compete beyond the first official week. January, as ever, is about balance.
For now, the map is drawn. Brisbane dominates, the United Cup sparkles, and Melbourne waits to judge who chose wisely.
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