No Title To Defend? 'Makes No Difference' For Sabalenka As She Looks To Reclaim Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup

Last Updated:January 12, 2026, 16:10 IST

Madison Keys snapped Sabalenka's incredible streak in Melbourne in the final last year, but the Belarussian looks to put the ghost of 2025 summit clash behind her ahead of the AO.

Aryna Sabalenka. (AP Photo)

World’s top-rated women’s player Aryna Sabalenka will head into the Australian Open as the hot favourite, despite not being the defending champion like the last two years.

The two-time Melbourne winner’s 20-match winning streak at the season’s opening major was snapped in the title clash 12 months ago when American outsider Madison Keys denied her a successful defence and a rare three-peat last achieved by Martina Hingis in 1999.

Sabalenka shook off that disappointment, as well as losing in the French Open final and Wimbledon semi-finals, to secure her fourth Grand Slam crown at the U.S. Open, leaving her primed for another title tilt on the blue hardcourts Down Under.

“Honestly, there’s no difference," Sabalenka said of her mindset heading into Melbourne Park no longer in possession of the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.

“Every time, it doesn’t matter what tournament it is… if I’m the defending champion or if I lost in the first round last year, the goal is always the same – to bring my best tennis and improve my game. That’s how I take it. I’m always just focusing on myself, on developing my game, and making sure I’m 100% there. That’s my goal and focus every time."

Sabalenka’s serve infamously hampered her in Australia four years ago, but her refined delivery has become a crucial weapon. Her variations with drop shots and sharper tactical nous have turned her into a formidable force.

She won a tour‑leading four trophies last season and made nine finals, underlining her consistency at the highest level, with a shock loss to Elena Rybakina in last year’s WTA Finals title clash bringing her campaign to an abrupt end.

That setback has only sharpened her resolve, and she now returns to Melbourne aiming to reach her fourth consecutive Australian Open final.

The 27-year-old will also bid to reach a seventh straight hardcourt Grand Slam final, to match Hingis and Steffi Graf in the professional era that began in 1968.

“I’m always super motivated when I come to Australia," said Sabalenka, who kicked off her season by retaining her title at the Brisbane International without giving up a set. “I love playing here and I want to stay here as long as possible. Of course, remembering last year’s (Australian Open) final, I want to do a little bit better than I did."

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