The professional tennis season is underway in Australia and New Zealand with tournaments leading up to the Australian Open, starting January 18. The United Cup mixed-teams event features top players like Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek. The Brisbane International also begins, with Aryna Sabalenka headlining. Notably, top men Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will skip these events to play an exhibition in South Korea before heading to Melbourne. Stan Wawrinka plans to retire after 2026.