Titles galore as Sabalenka and Medvedev peak just in time for the AO

Aryna Sabalenka kisses the Brisbane trophy for the second straight year. (Getty/Albert Perez)

The second Sunday of the Australian summer of tennis meant one thing: finals day.

There were five titles up for grabs on the ATP and WTA Tours, with preparations for the 2026 Australian Open now in full swing.

Aryna Sabalenka goes back-to-back in Brisbane

Appearing in the WTA 500 Brisbane final for the third straight season, Pat Rafter Arena has always been a happy hunting ground for the world No.1.

And that was no different this time around when Sabalenka dominated 23-year-old Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 6-3.

The result meant Sabalenka didn't drop a set all tournament, as well as winning her matches by a game total of 19 or less.

"Thank you to my team for handling me," Sabalenka said.

"I am the toughest one to handle, and you guys are the toughest ones if you can handle me. Thank you, I love you."

As the war in Ukraine continues, Kostyuk didn't congratulate Belarus' Sabalenka for her Brisbane title and requested separate photos to be taken after the speeches.

"I wanna say a few words about Ukraine," Kostyuk said during the presentation. "I play every day with pain in my heart. There are thousands of people who are without light and warm water right now. It's -20 degrees outside.

"It's very painful to live this reality every day. My sister is sleeping under three blankets because of how cold it is at home. I was incredibly moved and happy to see so many Ukrainian flags this week."

HEAD has partnered with the Kooyong Classic for 2026. HEAD will be on-site with all their latest products, including the launch of the new Revolt Pro 5.0. Visit the HEAD tents at the Kooyong Classic from 13-15th January to do a fit test on the new Revolt Pros.

Daniil Medvedev sends warning ahead of Australian Open

A three-time finalist at Melbourne Park, count Daniil Medvedev out at your peril.

Last season saw a major dip in form from the former US Open winner, including failure to surpass the second round of any Grand Slam.

However, a late surge in 2025, which saw Medvedev win the Almaty Open, has carried over to 2026 by claiming the Brisbane International crown against Brandon Nakashima 6-2, 7-6(1).

Despite not being able to serve out the match at 5-4, the former world No.1 kept his cool to close it out in the tiebreak.

"I came here to play this tournament here and not just to prepare for the Australian Open or something," Medvedev said.

"I came here to try to start the season strong. 

"To start strong after the good preparation, it's important for self-confidence, so I'm happy with it. 

"I'm looking forward to, of course, the next tournament, which is Australian Open."

Love story blossoms in Auckland

In April 2023, Elina Svitolina returned to the Tour after giving birth to her daughter, Skai.

Fast forward to January 2026, the Ukrainian star added a 19th title to her collection in Auckland thanks to a straight sets 6-3, 7-6(8) victory over Xinyu Wang, lasting one hour and 44 minutes.

The 31-year-old, who is currently ranked 12th in the live rankings, walked towards husband Gaël Monfils after sealing the title.

This time last year, Monfils won the ATP Auckland title at 38 years of age, with her wife replicating the same achievement on the women's side in the space of 12 months.

"It definitely feels amazing to win another title, especially after a not very pleasant end of year for me," Svitolina said. "But that break really helped me to regroup and come back with new energy, and I'm very happy that I got a title here.

"This one was very special because, obviously, my husband won here last year, and this year he told me if you don't win this year, I don't know what to tell you anymore."

At the end of September, Svitolina cut her season short because she wanted to "heal and recharge".

New Year's goal achieved in 11 days by Alexander Bublik

Talented Kazakh Alexander Bublik had one New Year's goal for the 2026 season, and that was to break into the top 10.

Well, he unlocked that level after just 11 days by picking up the Hong Kong 250 title.

The 28-year-old defeated Lorenzo Musetti 7-6(2), 6-3, and is continuing to produce some of the best tennis of his career.

"The only goal for this season was to achieve the Top 10, and in the first week, I have won the title, and I am into the Top 10," Bublik said. "If you had told me that last April, I would never have believed you. But it is a pleasure, and I hope to continue in the same way."

In better news for Musetti, the Italian has reached a new career-high ranking of No.5.

Third time lucky as Poland reign supreme in United Cup thriller

In an extraordinary final that went the distance, Team Poland exacted revenge for their previous two shortcomings in the United Cup final by defeating Team Switzerland 2-1.

The Kooyong Classic returns to the spiritual home of Australian tennis from January 13-15, 2026.

Each year, the Kooyong Classic features the world’s best players in their final preparation for the Australian Open. 

The 2026 event will feature Lorenzo Musetti, Alexander Bublik, Nick Kyrgios, Karen Khachanov, Flavio Cobolli, Frances Tiafoe, Learner Tien, Matteo Berrettini, Hubert Hurkacz, Marin Čilić and Zhang Zhizhen, alongside Donna Vekić, Priscilla Hon and a special guest appearance by Daniela Hantuchová.

Tickets on sale now through www.kooyongclassic.com.au

Hospitality packages can be viewed on the Kooyong Classic website 

Contact: info@kooyongclassic.com.au.