Earlier this week, we addressed pressing questions and narratives regarding players in the Top 10. Now, we’re widening our perspective to examine some intriguing angles and stories among players beyond the Top 10 as we approach the 2026 WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz.
As we’ve seen over the last few years, there’s a good chance that multiple players outside the Top 10 will capture significant titles, pull off surprising upsets, elevate their rankings, and play key roles in the competition for the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
With the new season just around the corner, our experts Brad Kallet and Greg Garber are analyzing who these players might be and what we can anticipate from them this upcoming season.
Which player outside the Top 10 is most likely to win a Grand Slam?
Brad Kallet: It’s been five years since Naomi Osaka last won a Grand Slam at the Australian Open. Surprisingly, as of last summer, she hadn’t advanced beyond the third round of a major since that victory. However, her performance at the US Open reminded us that her comeback is more than just a narrative. She defeated former champion Coco Gauff and two-time semifinalist Karolina Muchova before narrowly losing in the semifinals to Amanda Anisimova, following a strong final appearance in Montreal where she upset four seeded players. With her improved mindset and momentum, Osaka has a genuine chance of clinching her fifth Slam in 2026.
Greg Garber: I’m keenly anticipating how Zheng Qinwen manages her comeback after undergoing late-season elbow surgery. At 23, she is already an Olympic gold medalist and a Grand Slam finalist (2024 Australian Open). She missed over three months due to her injury and returned briefly in Beijing before retiring from her match against Linda Noskova. Currently ranked No. 24, she played only 32 matches in 2025 without any titles. However, when healthy, Zheng led the WTA Tour in 2024 with 445 aces, significantly outpacing second place. With strong training on clay and versatile skills, she’s determined to prove her elite status, making her a contender for a Slam.
Will Naomi Osaka make a return to the Top 10?
Brad Kallet: Based on my previous remarks, I believe Osaka will return to the Top 10, where she spent much of her early career. She has room to gain points in the first half of the season, having reached only one final in 2025, aside from her title in the WTA 125 Saint-Malo. With more points to defend later in the season, she could find herself close to breaking back into the Top 10.
Greg Garber: I thought she would achieve this last year, and she fell just short. Osaka ended the year ranked No. 59 in 2024 but improved to No. 16 in 2025 after a strong performance on hard courts, particularly with 11 wins out of 13 matches in Montreal and New York. Given her history of success at the Australian and US Opens and her current positioning at 28, she looks poised for a significant comeback after motherhood.
Is Victoria Mboko already a contender for Grand Slams?
Brad Kallet: Absolutely. Any player winning a WTA 1000 should be viewed as a Grand Slam contender, especially with the draw expanding to 96 players, as seen in Montreal. Notably, the 19-year-old beat four Grand Slam champions during her run there and followed up with a title in Hong Kong, silencing any “one-hit wonder” claims. Could she be a long shot for a Slam in 2026? Potentially. But she certainly has the capability.
Greg Garber: Defining ‘contender’ can be tricky. Are we discussing someone who has a solid chance to win, or only those who might reach later rounds? Considering Mboko is just 19, I would lean towards the latter. While she excelled at the French Open, winning five matches, she struggled between Wimbledon and the US Open. She’s a contender but not a serious threat to win just yet.
Which American outside the Top 10 has the most potential?
Brad Kallet: Don’t overlook Emma Navarro, who experienced a dip in 2025. Except for her title in Merida, she struggled after reaching the quarterfinals of Wimbledon and semifinals at the US Open the year prior. At just 24 and with lower expectations entering 2026, I foresee her achieving big results. She’s a dark horse in Melbourne, where she was quarterfinalist last year.
Greg Garber: I view upside as the gap between past performances and future potential. For that reason, I’m choosing Iva Jovic, who turned 18 in December and is set to play at that age throughout 2026. Her ranking trajectory has been impressive, moving from No. 647 at the end of 2023 to No. 35 in 2025 after winning the WTA 500 title in Guadalajara.
Who is the most dangerous player outside the Top 50?
Brad Kallet: I’m firmly on the Alexandra Eala bandwagon, particularly after her performance in Miami last year, where she upset three Slam champions to reach the semifinals, losing a tight match to Jessica Pegula. Beyond that, she showed consistency throughout the year, reaching the final in Eastbourne and winning a 125 title in Guadalajara. I expect even more from her in 2026.
Greg Garber: ‘Dangerous’ is a subjective term, Brad. While Eala has tremendous potential, she is still only 20, and I hope to see her continue improving. Last year’s choice for this question was four-time Grand Slam winner Osaka, ranked No. 59. I’ll opt for another veteran, Barbora Krejcikova, a two-time singles champion at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, who, despite a challenging year due to injuries, remains a formidable competitor at 29.
