Coco Gauff scored her second straight straight-sets win over Iga Swiatek, but the world No. 2 said she wasn't at her best.
For the second straight year, Jiri Lehecka opens the season with a title Down Under.
"Of course I'm not really happy with the situation," Elena Rybakina said of her coach's suspension.
At age 35, Kei Nishikori is into his first Tour-level final since winning 2019 Brisbane.
Rybakina is frustrated by comments about her coach and the perception of their relationship.
The former World No.4 is starting his season in style.
Aryna Sabalenka sets her sights on avenging her Roland Garros loss to 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva in their Brisbane rematch.