2026 Season Kickoff: ATP Tour & WTA Draw Preview – Auckland, Adelaide & Hobart
LINK: Adelaide ATP Draw | LINK: Auckland ATP Draw | Adelaide WTA Draw | Hobart WTA Draw
January 2026 gets tennis fans buzzing early with high-quality action across the southern hemisphere as players gear up for the first Grand Slam of the year — the Australian Open. From the hard courts of Auckland to Adelaide and Hobart, the 2026 season opens with thrilling draws and storylines worth watching. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the first week of competition.
ATP Tour 250 Preview: ASB Classic – Auckland, New Zealand (January 5–11)
The 2026 ASB Classic in Auckland kicks off the ATP Tour calendar with a mix of seasoned veterans and rising talents battling on outdoor hard courts at the ASB Tennis Centre. As one of the first ATP Tour 250 events of the year, Auckland shapes up as an exciting curtain-raiser before players transition to the Australian summer swing.
Key Players to Watch
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Gael Monfils, the defending champion and crowd favorite, returns to defend his title after making history in 2025 as the oldest ATP title winner in decades. His dynamic style and charisma will once again steal the show.
Although the official ATP entry list has not yet been fully published, early indications point to a strong field featuring power hitters and smart baseliners ready to begin their 2026 campaigns.
What to Expect
Expect high-intensity tennis as players fine-tune their games ahead of the bigger Australian summer events. Auckland’s fast hard courts favor aggressive baseline play and big serving, making it a great preview of what’s to come at the Australian Open.
This event not only highlights veteran prowess but also gives rising stars a chance to shine early in the season.
ATP 250 Preview: Adelaide International – Adelaide, Australia (January 12–17)
The Adelaide International continues to grow as a premier ATP Tour 250 stop in the Australian summer calendar. With strong global entries, this week promises world-class tennis in South Australia.
Star-Studded Field
Headlining the men’s draw is Novak Djokovic, the Serbian legend who will begin his 2026 season in Adelaide. Djokovic’s participation adds serious star power and sets the stage for electrifying matchups.
Other significant contenders include:
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Jack Draper – Briton and former finalist, eager to go one step further in 2026.
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Stefanos Tsitsipas – Greek powerhouse capable of deep runs.
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Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Tommy Paul, and Joao Fonseca — young and dangerous players poised to disrupt the draw.
Tournament Outlook
With the #1 seed in Djokovic and a deep top eight, Adelaide’s ATP Tour slate is balanced between elite competitors and hungry challengers. Expect tactical baseline rallies, big serve returns, and intense battles as players use this event to build momentum toward Melbourne.
WTA 500 Preview: Adelaide International – Adelaide, Australia (January 12–17)
On the women’s side, the Adelaide International returns as a WTA 500 event — one of the biggest tournaments in the early Australian season. With a strong draw of top-30 players, this event sets the tone for the year ahead.
Top Women’s Entrants
Leading the field are several world-class stars:
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Jessica Pegula — consistent performer and one of the top seeds.
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Madison Keys — defending champion and fresh off a Grand Slam victory, eager to repeat her success.
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Mirra Andreeva and Ekaterina Alexandrova — powerful Russian competitors ready to make noise.
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Belinda Bencic, Clara Tauson, Linda Noskova, and Emma Navarro — sit comfortably in the top ranks and promise electrifying match play.
Other names like Leylah Fernandez, Paula Badosa, and Marketa Vondrousova (special ranking) add further intrigue to the singles draw.
Why It Matters
As a WTA 500 event with a strong entry list, Adelaide isn’t just about early season form — it’s a statement. Players here are looking for confidence, match rhythm, and valuable ranking points before heading to Melbourne Park.
WTA 250 Preview: Hobart International – Hobart, Australia (January 12–17)
Simultaneously across the Bass Strait in Tasmania, the Hobart International offers a competitive WTA 250 draw full of talent and potential breakthrough stories.
Top Names and Dark Horses
Hobart’s entry list shows a unique blend of experience and emerging talent:
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Elise Mertens — seasoned Belgian star and two-time former champion.
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Emma Raducanu — Grand Slam champion ready to reignite her campaign.
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McCartney Kessler — defending champion seeking back-to-back success.
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Iva Jovic, Ann Li, Barbora Krejcikova, and Magda Linette — versatile competitors capable of deep runs.
Competitive Depth
Hobart’s field offers a terrific mix — local hopefuls, former top-10 players, and ranked contenders looking to build momentum. Expect exciting rallies and fast-paced hard court action.
Final Thoughts: Australian Summer Starts Strong
The first week of the 2026 tennis season sets the tone with rich draws, headline talent, and competitive balance across ATP and WTA events in Auckland, Adelaide, and Hobart.
From Djokovic and Pegula to Monfils and Raducanu, this opening stretch promises dramatic moments, breakthrough runs, and thrilling tennis that will carry into the Australian Open. For fans and fantasy players alike, January’s opening tournaments are must-watch events on the road to Melbourne.
