Doping scandals have dominated tennis headlines over the past several months after top-ranked players Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek quietly failed drug tests in 2024. Not only the players, but the leagues and governing bodies were scrutinized for a lack of transparency.

Sabalenka’s the current world No. 1, but she needs to at least reach the quarterfinals to hang onto the top spot.

It was a meaningless hit-and-giggle session, a mixed doubles exhibition at Rod Laver Arena just for fun and charity in front of fans a few days ahead of the Australian Open, so Coco Gauff was calling out how fast she would try to hit some serves.