Sabalenka Drops One Game to Bucsa in Quickest Ever Tour-Level Match

Aryna Sabalenka is – well and truly – off and running.

The world No.1 needed just 47 minutes to dispatch Cristina Bucsa of Spain in Brisbane as she opened her 2026 season, and Brisbane International title defense, 6-0, 6-1.

“I was just too focused on things that I have been working on during the preseason,” Sabalenka said, when asked if she went on court hoping to make a statement. “I was just trying to, you know, show my level. I did it well, and if someone got scared because of that, I’ll be happy to see players giving up, but that’s not going to happen, unfortunately.

“But just super happy with the level I was able to show today.”

Sabalenka cruised through her opening set in 22 minutes, and needed just 25 more to finish off the world No.50.

Sabalenka will face Sorana Cirstea, who defeated Jelena Ostapenko on Tuesday, in the second round.

In other action on Tuesday, defending Australian Open champion Madison Keys opened her season with a 6-4, 6-3 win over compatriot McCartney Kessler.

Keys played her typical high-octane tennis and broke Kessler three times to win in one hour and 27 minutes. She won 12 of 19 second serve points and saved five of six break points.

Keys, ranked seventh and seeded fifth, will face Diana Shnaider in the second round.