The 2025 season witnessed the continuation of intense rivalries on the Hologic WTA Tour, alongside the emergence of new ones.
With significant talent depth and a blend of seasoned Grand Slam winners and rising younger players vying for titles, 2026 promises to see even more engaging rivalries develop.
As the season kickoff approaches, our experts have analyzed the rivalries they are most eager to watch in the upcoming season and the reasons behind their appeal.
Aryna Sabalenka vs. Elena Rybakina
Sabalenka currently leads their encounters 8-6
Cole Bambini: This rivalry is among the most exciting in tennis, having provided fans with four thrilling matchups last season. Notably, Rybakina triumphed over the World No. 1 in the WTA Finals, the last match of 2025.
Dating back to 2019, these two have clashed six times at WTA 1000 events, three times at the WTA Finals, and twice at Grand Slams. I hope for another Grand Slam showdown, as they haven’t met since their 2023 Australian Open final, which Sabalenka won 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Both players are entering the 2026 season with significant momentum; Rybakina is on an impressive 11-match winning streak, while Sabalenka concluded the season as the year-end No. 1 and won the last Grand Slam of the year. If they meet again in Melbourne, it will surely be thrilling.
Coco Gauff vs. Mirra Andreeva
Gauff holds a 4-0 advantage in their matches
Greg Garber: Despite Gauff’s dominant record, this rivalry could be one of the most compelling in women’s tennis for the next decade. Both are the youngest in the Top 10 of the PIF WTA Rankings and are here to stay.
At just 21, Gauff has had the edge in their encounters, winning their first two meetings with ease. More recently, their matches have been tight, with Andreeva displaying considerable growth, including two WTA 1000 titles last year. This rivalry is set to flourish on both clay and hard courts in the future.
Amanda Anisimova vs. Iga Swiatek
Anisimova leads their head-to-head 2-1
Brad Kallet: My perspective may be influenced by attending their intense US Open quarterfinal, where Anisimova avenged her prior loss in the Wimbledon final. That match had the energy of a heavyweight bout, and Anisimova described the win as pivotal in her career.
The aftermath of that 6-0, 6-0 loss has added layers to their rivalry, but this may be just the beginning of many chapters in their competitive story. There’s more to unfold, and it promises to be an exciting journey for fans.
Mirra Andreeva vs. Victoria Mboko
No WTA Tour matches played yet; Andreeva leads 1-0 at junior level
Alex Macpherson: The rivalry that excites me most is one that hasn’t yet surfaced on the WTA Tour. Andreeva, at 18, and Mboko, 19, are the top teenagers in the world, both securing WTA 1000 titles in 2025 and climbing the ranks impressively.
While they’ve yet to face each other in professional matches, their prior encounter at the junior level hints at an intriguing future rivalry. Both exhibit strong offensive and defensive skills, making their first matchup one to anticipate.
Aryna Sabalenka vs. Coco Gauff
The head-to-head is currently tied at 6-6
Noah Poser: This rivalry features two champions, creating very competitive matches with close statistics in their 12 encounters. The games won are nearly equal: Gauff at 155 and Sabalenka at 153.
Each match is typically tightly contested and filled with drama. The stakes rise considerably when these two meet, with Sabalenka winning two of their three matchups in 2025, while Gauff claimed an essential victory at the Roland Garros final.
