Each of the four Grand Slams were split equally between Madison Keys, Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Swiatek.

At the end of the year, Elena Rybakina put herself in the elite conversation by lifting the WTA Finals in Riyadh.

With a winner very hard to call for the Australian Open, Serena Williams’ former coach Rick Macci has revealed his pick for the event.

Rick Macci backs Aryna Sabalenka as the ‘favourite’ for the Australian Open

Taking to X, Macci said the field was wide open in the women’s draw for the Australian Open, but one star was slightly above everyone else.

“Every match takes on a life of its own. Look for so many shockers and stunners at the Aussie Open as the WTA is a jump ball because at least 12 players can win it but Sab is the favourite.”

Sabalenka began her WTA Tour season in stunning fashion by winning the Brisbane International for the second year in a row.

The world number one defeated Marta Kostyuk, Karolina Muchova, Keys, Sorana Cirstea, and Cristina Bucsa to lift the trophy in Brisbane.

She heads to Melbourne having won the tournament twice in the last three years, with her only loss in that time coming against Keys in the final of the 2025 event.

Aryna Sabalenka has a point to prove at the Australian Open

Sabalenka’s loss to Keys in last year’s final was a huge shock, and she will be looking to make amends in 2026.

The star looked head and shoulders above the rest of the WTA Tour in Brisbane, which is a good sign considering the 2026 season is in its infancy.

“Every day you go out there and prove your level, and I think this week I did it really well,” said Sabalenka after winning the Brisbane International.

Turning her attention toward the Australian Open, the world number one said: “The only thing I know is that I’ll be there, I’ll be fighting.”

Sabalenka will find out her first round opponent for the Australian Open when the draw is made on 15 January.