2026 ASB Classic Auckland WTA Entry List: Williams, Stephens, Eala & more

The 2026 ASB Classic in Auckland will be the first WTA 250 tournament of the new season, and the entry list of players is absolutely packed.

The WTA 250 tournament in Auckland will run from January 5th to 11th. It's the first tournament of this category to be held in 2026. Auckland, New Zealand, has become a popular destination for tennis players in recent years, with the likes of Coco Gauff, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams winning the trophy there.

Although Gauff and Serena won't play the ASB Classic in 2026, fans visiting the ASB Tennis Centre can look forward to seeing Venus Williams compete. The 45-year-old American won the event in 2014, and she will try to do what seems impossible this year, add her second trophy in Auckland.

The seven-time singles Grand Slam champion confirmed that, so far, the ASB Classic is the only tournament she is sure she will play in 2026. After that, a lot will likely depend on how she feels on the tennis courts in Auckland.

Williams won't be the only former major winner in the ASB Classic draw. 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens received a wild card as well, and she will delight the fans in Auckland with her tennis. She is also a former champion, having won the event in 2016. Katie Boulter is the third wild card recipient.

The 2026 edition of this tournament will be held without the 2025 finalists. Clara Tauson lifted the trophy in 2025 despite not winning a single set in the final. Naomi Osaka won the first set of that final match 6-4, but had to retire right after. Osaka chose to play at the United Cup, while Tauson will compete in Brisbane to start the season.

With wildcards Williams and Stephens, who haven't played much tennis in 2025, being the only two former champions, the other players in the ASB Classic field will try to win their maiden trophy in the city.

There will be many of those capable of winning the title in Auckland. Elina Svitolina and Emma Navarro will be the top two seeds at this WTA 250 event. Both of them know how to win titles.

Three extremely talented young players made it among the seeded players as well. 18-year-old Iva Jovic will start her first full season on the Tour. 20-year-old Alexandra Eala practiced with Rafael Nadal during the off-season, and she will try to use that experience in Auckland. 23-year-old Janice Tjen is another young up-and-coming player.