Category: Articles

Daniil Medvedev has revealed he thinks his fellow players would agree with his call for Australian Open night matches to start earlier.

On Friday, Medvedev argued that the first match of the night session at the Melbourne Grand Slam should start an hour earlier.

“I’m not against playing at night, don’t get me wrong, but starting the first match at 7pm is just asking for trouble,” said the 2021 US Open champion.

“When you have one match of five sets, and both of them went for five for me, it is a bit too late to start at 7pm. They should be starting at 6pm.”

The former world No 1, who is currently ranked 13th, will begin his 2026 season at the Brisbane International, where he is the top seed.

In his pre-tournament press conference in Brisbane, Medvedev was asked if he had received any response from players about his comments on the Australian Open schedule.

“No, between players, at least that’s my feeling, we don’t really talk too much about what other players said in the press,” said the 29-year-old.

“But I do think that if you ask other players, I don’t think anyone would be, like, No, let’s start at 8:00. Probably everyone would be happy to start at 6:00.

Tennis News

Holger Rune speaks out on Achilles injury nightmare and how he can catch Alcaraz & Sinner

Daniil Medvedev told he should have changed coaches ‘much earlier’ after disappointing 2025

“I know that then it can be a problem for the day matches, but I’m pretty sure that it’s better to put it at 6:00, and if we need to start at 7:00 because of the day match, okay, but then there is a chance you can still start at 6:00 which would be better to not finish at 3:00 in the morning.

“But I always said that even by saying this: I prefer to play at night. So whenever. 7:00, 6:00, second, I’m happy to play at night.”

Medvedev will face world No 55 Marton Fucsovics in the first round at the ATP 250 event.

Daniil Medvedev’s experience of late Australian Open five-set matches

Medvedev has a history of extremely late finishes at the Australian Open, with his marathon five-set defeat to Learner Tien in the second round of last year’s tournament concluding at 2:54am.

That is not even the Russian’s latest finish time in Melbourne, though, as his five-set second round win over Emil Ruusuvuori at the 2024 Australian Open finished at 3:40am.

Medvedev’s loss to Rafael Nadal in an epic five-set 2022 Australian Open final lasting five hours and 24 minutes — the third-longest Grand Slam final ever — ended at 11am.

Want more from Tennis365? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for tennis coverage you can trust.

READ NEXT: ‘Alcaraz & Sinner’s rivalry is very similar to Federer, Nadal, Djokovic – but something is missing’

The post Daniil Medvedev suggests players agree with his ‘asking for trouble’ Australian Open comments appeared first on Tennis365.

Former world No 5 Anna Chakvetadze has spoken to Tennis365 about Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s rivalry and identified the one thing that is “missing.”

Alcaraz and Sinner, who are ranked first and second and have each won four of the last eight Grand Slam titles between them, have established themselves as the leading stars of their generation.

The duo’s rivalry reached new heights in 2025 as they met in the finals at five consecutive tournaments where they both competed between May and September: Rome, French Open, Wimbledon, Cincinnati and US Open.

They are the only players in the Open Era to face off in three successive Grand Slam finals in the same season, and the first pair to meet in three major finals in a row since Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal (2011-2012).

In a stratospheric Roland Garros final, Alcaraz prevailed in five sets after five hours and 29 minutes having saved three Sinner championship points in the fourth set. The contest has been lauded by many observers as one of the greatest matches in tennis history.

Alcaraz also defeated the Italian in Rome, Cincinnati and at the US Open last year, while Sinner overcame the Spaniard at Wimbledon and at the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin.

The overall head-to-head sits at 10-6 in Alcaraz’s favour heading into the 2026 season, with the Spaniard holding a 4-2 edge in Grand Slam encounters.

Exclusive Interviews

Ex-WTA star Anna Chakvetadze reflects on her standout memories – and a match fans still talk about

Who can break Carlos Alcaraz & Jannik Sinner’s dominance? Marcos Baghdatis predicts

What did Anna Chakvetadze say about Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s rivalry?

In an exclusive interview, Chakvetadze compared Alcaraz and Sinner’s rivalry to the legendary rivalries between Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic

“I think everyone can see how determined both Alcaraz and Sinner are,” said the Russian, who played from 2003 to 2013.

“Right now, they clearly have a real rivalry, very similar in feeling to what we once saw between Federer, Nadal and Djokovic.”

The eight-time WTA Tour title winner continued: “At the moment, it almost feels like something is missing — a strong third player in that battle.

“Maybe a third contender will emerge next season, but for now, in terms of level and consistency, Alcaraz and Sinner are clearly ahead of the rest.”

Want more from Tennis365? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for tennis coverage you can trust.

READ NEXT: Novak Djokovic’s ex-rival makes ‘given up’ claim about the Serb challenging Alcaraz & Sinner

The post ‘Alcaraz & Sinner’s rivalry is very similar to Federer, Nadal, Djokovic – but something is missing’ appeared first on Tennis365.

Defending Brisbane International champion Aryna Sabalenka could have to beat three fellow Grand Slam champions if she wants to reign supreme once again at the WTA 500 event.

World No 1 Sabalenka defeated surprise finalist Polina Kudermetova to lift the Brisbane title in 2025, and has reached the final at the event for the past two years.

However, the four-time Grand Slam singles champion could have to navigate an incredibly challenging pathway if she wants to make it back-to-back titles at the famed event.

Like all 16 seeds in the draw, top seed Sabalenka receives a bye in round one, and will start her campaign in round two against either Anna Bondar or Cristina Bucsa.

But, she could then face 14th seed and former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in the third round, a rematch of the Stuttgart Open that Ostapenko won emphatically last April.

Sabalenka is then projected to face fifth seed Madison Keys in the quarter-final — a rematch of the Australian Open final won by the American almost twelve months ago.

Should the Belarusian battle her way through to the semi-final, she is projected to face third seed Elena Rybakina in the last four.

Rybakina memorably beat Sabalenka to win the WTA Finals last November, but also thrashed the world No 1 in the Brisbane final back in 2024, dropping just three games.

Tennis News

Iga Swiatek gives her honest opinion on Aryna Sabalenka & Nick Kyrgios’ ‘Battle of the Sexes’

Will Aryna Sabalenka or Coco Gauff have a better season in 2026? Ex-stars predict

The Kazakh will begin her campaign versus Ashlyn Krueger or Zhang Shuai, before a projected round three encounter versus 15th seed Paula Badosa.

She is then projected to face either seventh seed Ekaterina Alexandrova — the world No 10 — or 11th seed Karolina Muchova in the last eight.

The bottom half of the draw is headlined by second seed Amanda Anisimova, who is projected to face Sabalenka in the final.

After a stunning 2025 season, Anisimova’s 2026 campaign will begin with a second round clash against either home favourite Kimberly Birrell or Rebecca Sramkova.

The American is then projected to take on 16th seed Marta Kostyuk in round three, before a potential quarter-final versus sixth seed Mirra Andreeva or ninth seed Linda Noskova.

Fourth seed and world No 6 Jessica Pegula is also in the bottom half of the draw, and is projected to take on compatriot Anisimova in the semi-final.

Pegula is set to face Tereza Valentova or Anna Kalinskaya to start her campaign in Brisbane, before a potential third round clash versus 13th seed Leylah Fernandez.

She is then projected to face eighth seed Clara Tauson in the last eight, with 10th seed Liudmila Samsonova also a potential quarter-final opponent in this section.

Main draw action in Brisbane will begin on Sunday, January 4, and the final will take place on Sunday, January 11.

(WTA 500) Brisbane International Projected Q/F

(1) Aryna Sabalenka vs (5) Madison Keys
(3) Elena Rybakina vs (7) Ekaterina Alexandrova
(8) Clara Tauson vs (4) Jessica Pegula
(6) Mirra Andreeva vs (2) Amanda Anisimova

Want more from Tennis365? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for tennis coverage you can trust.

Read Next: Predicting every Grand Slam singles champion of 2026: Sinner & Alcaraz dominant, Sabalenka & Swiatek success

The post WTA Brisbane International Draw: Sabalenka’s tough pathway, Rybakina and Anisimova star appeared first on Tennis365.

Italian tennis great Adriano Panatta believes Jannik Sinner is “seriously considering” pushing for the accomplishment of a calendar Grand Slam in 2026.

Sinner has secured four Grand Slam titles: the Australian Open in 2024 and 2025; the US Open in 2024; Wimbledon in 2025.

The Italian featured in all four Grand Slam finals in 2025, losing to Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open and the US Open.

Rod Laver is the only male player to achieve a calendar Grand Slam (winning all four majors in one season) in the Open Era, having pulled off the staggering feat in 1969.

Novak Djokovic came within one win of a calendar Slam in 2021, having won the first three majors before falling in the US Open final.

During an appearance on Sky Sport Italy, Panatta claimed that Sinner’s decision to continue working with esteemed coach Darren Cahill proves he is determined to win the calendar Grand Slam.

“In my opinion, Jannik has a hidden agenda: to achieve the calendar Grand Slam,” said the former world No 4 (translated from Italian).

“His decision to continue with Cahill until 2026 shows that he’s seriously considering it.

Tennis News

Former British No 1 pours cold water on Jannik Sinner’s biggest dream for 2026

Jannik Sinner’s former fitness coach on Italian’s ban: ‘One of the best moments of my professional life’

“There’s a reason they (Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic) didn’t manage it. There were many competitors, including [Andy] Murray. Today there are two of them, and this, in effect, doubles the chance.

“As a type of player, Sinner is better equipped than Alcaraz to win a Grand Slam because he’s more consistent and solid.

“Carlos, however, has moments when he becomes unplayable. Obviously, these are considerations that are made without considering injuries and health problems.

“Let’s not forget that Sinner has played about three months less this year. Next year he will have four more Masters 1000s: scheduling is almost as important as training.”

Sinner ended the 2025 season as the world No 2 behind Alcaraz, having finished his campaign by defending the ATP Finals title in Turin.

The 24-year-old will face six-time major champion Alcaraz in an exhibition match in Incheon, South Korea, on January 10 — eight days before main draw action at the Australian Open gets underway.

Want more from Tennis365? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for tennis coverage you can trust.

READ NEXT: ‘He plays better than Sinner and Alcaraz’ – Rising star tipped to challenge the top 2

The post Why Jannik Sinner has a ‘hidden agenda’ for 2026 season, according to a Grand Slam winner  appeared first on Tennis365.

Iga Swiatek revealed she did not watch the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios and declared that “there doesn’t need to be any competition” between women and men in tennis.

Kyrgios defeated Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match played with special rules in Dubai on December 28. Both players were limited to using one serve, while Sabalenka’s side of the court was 9% smaller than Kyrgios’.

It was the the fourth match in tennis history labelled a ‘Battle of the Sexes’, with two of them having featured former American player Bobby Riggs in 1973.

Riggs, a Wimbledon and US Open champion, was 55 when he played two legends of women’s tennis: Margaret Court and Billie Jean King.

He crushed a 30-year-old Court 6-2, 6-1 in May 1973 before losing 4-6, 3-6, 3-6 to a 29-year-old King four months later in what was by far the most famous ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match.

In 1992, 40-year-old Jimmy Connors defeated a 35-year-old Martina Navratilova 7-5, 6-2 in a third ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match played under hybrid rules.

What did Iga Swiatek say about the latest ‘Battle of the Sexes’?

During a Team Poland press conference at the United Cup, Swiatek was asked if she had watched Sabalenka and Kyrgios’ contest and whether she had any thoughts on it.

“No, I haven’t watched, because I don’t watch stuff like that. I think for sure it attracted, like, a lot of attention,” said the world No 2.

Tennis News

Aryna Sabalenka calls for Nick Kyrgios ‘Battle of the Sexes’ rematch – but with one rule change

Will Aryna Sabalenka or Coco Gauff have a better season in 2026? Ex-stars predict

“It was an entertainment, but I wouldn’t say that had anything to do with, like, social change or any important topics. I think the name was just the same as the one from the Billie Jean King match in ’73. That’s it.

“There were no more similarities because I feel like women’s tennis stands on its own right now. We have so many great athletes and great stories to present, we don’t necessarily need to, like, compare to men’s tennis. It’s a totally different story.

“I think, honestly, yeah, there doesn’t need to be any competition. I think actually events like this one, United Cup, brings tennis all together, and WTA fans and ATP fans can watch this event with so much excitement.

“Seeing also singles players that usually don’t have space to play mixed doubles together, playing these kind of matches, I think this is actually what makes our sport much more interesting and better.

“So yeah, I haven’t watched the match. I only know about how it looked like. But I think, yeah, it was for sure nice entertainment and an exho match between these two.”

Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion, will begin her 2026 season at the United Cup.

Want more from Tennis365? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for tennis coverage you can trust.

READ NEXT: Hate flowing Aryna Sabalenka’s way is not justified as attention seekers cash in

The post Iga Swiatek gives her honest opinion on Aryna Sabalenka & Nick Kyrgios’ ‘Battle of the Sexes’ appeared first on Tennis365.

Daniil Medvedev has requested Australian Open matches start an hour earlier in order to avoid extremely late finishes.

Medvedev was one of the early casualties last year when he was defeated by Learner Tien in a match that did not end until 2:54am.

That was not unusual occurrence either with Medvedev playing until 3:40am in 2024 and the record late finish was 4:34am between Lleyton Hewitt and Marcos Baghdatis in 2004.

Now, with the tournament a few weeks away from beginning, Medvedev has requested the opening match be brought forward an hour to start at 6pm in order to cut down on the late finishes.

“I’m not against playing at night, don’t get me wrong, but starting the first match at 7pm is just asking for trouble,” Medvedev said on Friday.

“When you have one match of five sets, and both of them went for five for me, it is a bit too late to start at 7pm. They should be starting at 6pm.”

Despite never winning it, the Australian Open is a favourite of Medvedev who has reached the final on three occasions – 2021, 2022 and 2024.

Having been eliminated in the second round last year, Medvedev has backed himself to beat anyone at the venue provided he plays his ‘best tennis.’

“I like playing in the Australian Open, I feel like I can play good tennis there,” he said.

“I’ve played some great matches. I know when I play my best tennis I am able to beat anyone.

“I like generally to play on hard courts. The courts are pretty fast, so it suits me well.”

MORE NEWS ON T365

Venus Williams set to break record as full Australian Open women’s wildcard list confirmed

Novak Djokovic insider reveals retirement plan – and it won’t be abrupt like Rafael Nadal’s exit

Medvedev also arrives in Melbourne with a new coach having hired Thomas Johansson in September.

Johansson’s playing career was his surprise triumph at the 2002 Australian Open, making him the last Swedish player to win a Grand Slam singles title.

The 16th seed in Melbourne, Johansson battled past 26th seed Jiri Novak in the last four before a four-set victory over former world No 1 Marat Safin in the championship match.

The Swede reached a career-high of world No 7 in June 2002 and was a semi-finalist at Wimbledon in 2005, alongside reaching two US Open quarter-finals.

Medvedev meanwhile is looking to bounce back from a difficult 2025 that saw him end the year ranked 13th.

His preparation for Melbourne begins with the Brisbane International, a tournament he reached the final of in 2019.

“Great memories from Brisbane. I like the city. I’m happy to be back,” he said.

“Last time I played here I made the final, so I am going to try and do better.”

Read next: Emma Raducanu names 2026 goal ahead of first major tournament

The post Daniil Medvedev says Australian Open ‘asking for trouble’ in rule change request appeared first on Tennis365.

Naomi Osaka revealed she has been battling an illness since Christmas Eve and said it “sucks” as a way to start her 2026 season.

Osaka was defeated 6-4, 6-2 by World No.52 Maria Sakkari to kick off her United Cup but was in a surprisingly reflective mood afterwards, suggesting there was plenty of positives to take.

“Honestly I thought it wasn’t a bad first match for what it was. I’m I guess just thankful that I have another match that I get to play.

“I think just, like, trying new things. For me, I feel like I definitely could have been more aggressive on the returns. I think I did that a little bit towards the end. But learning not to be afraid of mistakes and kind of just going for it from the beginning.

“Then also just trying not to be so predictable, which is something that I knew about myself since US Open. Again, I’m kind of afraid to make mistakes. So just trying to, like, break that limitation in my mind.”

She did though reveal she has been battling an illness and was seen coughing during the match. Osaka said she has had the problem since Christmas Eve and it “sucks” to be carrying that into the new year.

MORE NEWS ON T365

Emma Raducanu names 2026 goal ahead of first major tournament

Aryna Sabalenka calls for Nick Kyrgios ‘Battle of the Sexes’ rematch – but with one rule change

“I’m not operating at the percent that I want to be operating at, which kind of sucks because, like, I had a really good off-season so I thought I was going to do really well here. Then I got really sick. I think I’m at the tail end of that, but still not amazing.

“So yeah, I feel like for me, I’m just trying to get better every day. Obviously I had a cough, like a runny nose, like all that nasty stuff, yeah. Hopefully it goes away before the Australian Open.

“Honestly, it’s been a minute, which is why I’m shocked that I still have it. I think I got it from my daughter (smiling). I want to say like before Christmas Eve.

“It’s been tough. Also for me, that’s why I also really appreciate being here because you feel the team atmosphere, it makes you want to go out and do your best and do something.

“I feel very apologetic that I couldn’t get the win. I don’t know, we’re all here to try our best. If it doesn’t work out, it sucks, but we’re going to just try again another day.”

Read next: Novak Djokovic’s ex-rival makes ‘given up’ claim about the Serb challenging Alcaraz & Sinner

The post Naomi Osaka reveals illness after surprise loss to World No.52 in the United Cup appeared first on Tennis365.

Emma Raducanu revealed her goal for 2026 is “stacking the good days” as she prepares to make her debut at the United Cup in Australia.

The World No.29 and British No.1 is in Australia ahead of the Grand Slam later this month and is warming up by appearing at the United Cup for the first time in a British team captained by Tim Henman.

And ahead of the tournament, which sees Raducanu play her first match against Naomi Osaka on January 4, she has been setting out her goals for the year ahead.

“I think for me it’s just about stacking the good days,” she said. “I’ve been putting in some good practices. Even if each practice isn’t as perfect as you want it to be, I think just the consistency of it is the most important thing.

“That’s what really helped me last year. So I just hope to carry that on and enjoy the tennis, enjoy the process of what I’m doing, which right now I am.

“Physically I also improved. I became fitter, so I was able to play more matches and more tournaments on the road. That just gives us more opportunities to get some points here and there and also have good weeks when you’re in a good run of momentum to kind of carry that through three, four, five matches.

MORE ON EMMA RADUCANU ON T365

How Emma Raducanu can make an early leap up the rankings to boost her Australian Open seeding

Emma Raducanu makes big equipment change as she joins list of power-hitters to use this racket

“So yeah, that was a really good benefit for me as well. Also, just my approach to playing. I’ve been a lot better, a lot more composed, but at the same time enjoying it a lot more again. That’s been a big win for me.”

While 2021 remains her best year in terms of trophies, 2025 marked a significant step forward in her consistency with Raducanu playing in a career-high of 50 matches in the season. Her entry into the United Cup hints at a similar approach to 2026 and puts to bed rumours she may not feature in the Australian Open later this month.

“I think it’s a great way to start the year being part of a team environment,” she said of the tournament. “It’s a little bit easier to kind of settle into the year, which is so competitive and individual. It’s nice to share this with the team.

“We all get on really well and have been having a great time off the court and on the court. It’s nice to be a part of that, and it’s such a change from what we usually do. For me I’m just really happy to represent GB and have the opportunity to and also play in such a beautiful place and see Perth.”

Raducanu is on a team with Billy Harris, Neal Skupski, Katie Swan, Lloyd Glasspool and Olivia Nicholls. As for her matches, after facing Osaka, Raducanu will play Maria Sakkari and described both as “very difficult matches.”

“I played both of them last year. Really difficult. Obviously Naomi had a great end to the season as well. I’m
expecting tough ones. Just hope to give it all and do my best.”

Read next: Venus Williams set to break record as full Australian Open women’s wildcard list confirmed

The post Emma Raducanu names 2026 goal ahead of first major tournament appeared first on Tennis365.

Aryna Sabalenka has revealed she wants to play Nick Kyrgios again as she expressed her desire to exact “revenge” for her defeat to the Australian.

Former ATP world No 13 Kyrgios triumphed 6-3, 6-3 against WTA world No 1 Sabalenka in an exhibition showdown billed as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ in Dubai on December 28.

Both players were limited to having one serve, while Sabalenka’s side of the court was 9% smaller than Kyrgios’, with organisers Evolve claiming that data shows female players move about 9% slower than men on average.

Sabalenka was broken in four of her five service games in the opening set, but she took a 3-1 lead in the second and had a break point to go up 4-1 before Kyrgios turned it around to seal a straight-set win.

The match would have been decided by a 10-point tiebreak had a third set been required.

Sabalenka has made it clear that she has the appetite for a rematch and argued it would be more even if she could have two serves.

“I think I would definitely do it again. I love revenges and I don’t like to leave it the way it is,” said the four-time Grand Slam champion.

“And I think for the next match we’ll come up with a different format because before the match, I didn’t realise that I have to adjust as well and it was a bit tricky for me as well.

Tennis News

Hate flowing Aryna Sabalenka’s way is not justified as attention seekers cash in

Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios ‘money grab’ exhibition gets scathing verdict – ‘I hope the money was worth it’

“I think that I would still keep the full court for Nick, but I would take two serves, that would even our level a lot more.

“I always say that when you are losing, you are learning, and I learned a lot about his game. I would do it again.

“Now I know better Nick as a player and as a person as well, so I feel like I know how to play against him. We will do it again, I need the revenge.”

The 27-year-old Belarusian continued: “I think it’s really important for tennis to keep it interesting, keep it fresh, keep it new, keep it fun.

“I’m happy that I was able to challenge him and make him work and make him physically get tired and mentally also get tight.

“I saw that and I felt really excited to see a man getting tight and going for his full game. It was a really cool experience.”

Kyrgios responded to a tweet discussing a potential rematch by saying “I’M IN.”

Want more from Tennis365? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for tennis coverage you can trust.

READ NEXT: Former WTA star questions why Aryna Sabalenka ‘accepted’ controversial rules at ‘Battle of the Sexes’

The post Aryna Sabalenka calls for Nick Kyrgios ‘Battle of the Sexes’ rematch – but with one rule change appeared first on Tennis365.

Tennis icon Venus Williams has received a wildcard to compete at the 2026 Australian Open, with the full list of wildcard recipients for the women’s singles event now confirmed.

There had been much anticipation to learn if Williams would be given a wildcard for this year’s Australian Open, with the American last having played the Melbourne Grand Slam in 2021.

The former world No 1 and seven-time major singles champion, who is 45, is currently ranked 581st in the WTA singles rankings.

Last year, Williams returned to the tour after an absence of more than a year to play in Washington, Cincinnati and at the US Open.

The Australian Open confirmed today that Williams had received the eighth and final wildcard for the women’s singles main draw.

“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,” said Williams.

“I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career.”

Tennis News

WTA Auckland Open entry list, prize money, ranking points, key dates: Venus, Svitolina, Eala star

Serena Williams’ touching tribute to Venus as stunning wedding photos emerge

Williams was a runner-up at the Australian Open in 2003 and 2017, while she was also a semi-finalist in 2001 and a quarter-finalist on a further six occasions.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said: “Venus is a true legend and trailblazer of our sport – she’s an inspiration to us all.

“I’m delighted we’ll see her on court again at both the Hobart International and Australian Open.”

At the age of 45, Williams is set to become the oldest woman to play in the Australian Open singles draw. She will break the record held by former Japanese star Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she competed at the 2015 Australian Open.

Australian Open 2026 women’s singles wildcards

• Emerson Jones (Australia)
• Zarina Diyas (Kazakhstan)
• Elizabeth Mandlik (USA)
• Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah (France)
• Priscilla Hon (Australia)
• Talia Gibson (Australia)
• Taylah Preston (Australia)
• Venus Williams (USA)

Williams has also been given wildcards to compete at the tournaments in Auckland and Hobart ahead of the Australian Open.

Venus Williams’ schedule at the start of 2026

• ASB Classic, Auckland (WTA 250) – January 5-11
• Hobart International (WTA 250) – January 12-17
• Australian Open – January 18-February 1

Want more from Tennis365? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for tennis coverage you can trust.

READ NEXT: Predicting every Grand Slam singles champion of 2026: Sinner & Alcaraz dominant, Sabalenka & Swiatek success

The post Venus Williams set to break record as full Australian Open women’s wildcard list confirmed appeared first on Tennis365.