In a talent-rich WTA Tour, Flashscore has highlighted five young players—some expected, others less so—who have the potential to make significant advancements in the 2026 season.
Breaking Ground from Indonesia
Representing a country with little tennis history, she made headlines by becoming the first Indonesian in 23 years to reach a WTA final at the WTA 250 in Sao Paulo. Although she lost to another player on this list, her performance highlighted her tremendous talent.
A Strong ITF Background
She showcased her skills on the ITF circuit, winning four titles at the W35 and W50 levels from April to June. This success propelled her momentum, leading to her first WTA title at the WTA 250 in Chennai by the end of the year.
Climbing the Ranks
While the off-season may temporarily slow her progress, she is rapidly approaching the Top 50, signaling her potential stardom. The WTA appears to view her as a significant link to the Asian market, although she still has areas to develop in her game—insights that we may begin to see during the Australian Open.
Austrian Hopes in the Mix
Another player to watch is an 18-year-old from Austria, ranked 158th globally. She is a fresh hope for Austrian tennis after years of dominance by Dominic Thiem. Expected breakthroughs arrived sooner than anticipated when she won the Roland Garros juniors in June and surged up the rankings. Even with her current rank requiring her to qualify for the Australian Open, her skilled one-handed backhand shows promise for a Top 100 debut soon.
Croatian Rising Star
This former junior world No. 1 outshone the competition, claiming the Australian Open junior title in 2022 but has not yet solidified her position in the WTA Tour. However, she’s made significant strides since July, winning multiple lower-tier titles and demonstrating a strong competitive edge by winning 12 of her 14 finals. Now ranked 82nd, she’s set to enter the main draw of the Australian Open with hopes of a deep run.
Emerging Talents on the Circuit
A junior Grand Slam champion from Roland Garros 2024 rapidly surpassed the ITF and WTA 125 tournaments to make her WTA debut, reaching the semi-finals at Livesport Open and the final in Osaka. Demonstrating a strong serve and strategic gameplay, she’s establishing her presence on the tour—especially given her more developed mental game compared to many peers.
Injuries and Comeback
Previously heralded as a major talent after winning both the Australian Open and Roland Garros juniors, she faced a series of injuries that stalled her WTA ascent. Now returning with added experience and victories at lower levels, she is positioned for a potential breakthrough. Currently ranked 214th, she needs to qualify for Australia, yet her talent suggests a brighter future ahead.
