2026 Tennis Season Preview — ATP Montpellier & WTA Abu Dhabi, Ostrava, Cluj-Napoca Draws and Storylines
LINK: ATP Montpellier Draw | WTA Abu Dhabi Draw | WTA Ostrava Draw | WTA Cluj-Napoca Draw
As the 2026 tennis season gains momentum, fans around the world are turning their attention to a host of early-season tournaments that blend rising stars, established champions, and breakthrough opportunities. From the indoor hard courts of Montpellier to the WTA action in Abu Dhabi, Ostrava, and Cluj-Napoca, this opening slate promises compelling matchups, ranking battles and regional intensity.
ATP 250 – Open Occitanie (Montpellier)
February 2–8, 2026 • Hard Court • Montpellier, France
The ATP Tour swings into Europe for the Open Occitanie, one of the most vibrant 250-level events in the early season calendar. Held at the Sud de France Arena, this indoor hard-court stop traditionally draws a mix of seasoned pros and hungry challengers aiming to build momentum after the Australian swing.
Why Montpellier Matters
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It’s a strategic post-Australian Open stop where players can earn valuable points before the big indoor and 500-level weeks.
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There’s a strong home crowd energy as French talents often feature prominently.
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With a 32-player singles draw, the tournament’s compact field makes every match high stakes and unpredictable.
Watch for seasoned campaigners and upcoming stars to clash — Montpellier often reveals future top 20 contenders in a more intimate, intense environment than bigger ATP stops.
WTA 500 – MUBADALA ABU DHABI OPEN PRESENTED BY ABU DHABI SPORTS COUNCIL
February 1–7, 2026 • Outdoor Hard • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi remains one of the crown jewels of the early-season WTA calendar. This WTA 500 event consistently boasts one of the strongest women’s fields of the year.
Star-Studded Lineup & Key Storylines
Expect top-tier talent including multiple major champions and established world no. 1 contenders. Belinda Bencic, Leylah Fernandez, Paula Badosa and Ekaterina Alexandrova will highlight the field.
While this list will be finalized closer to match week, Abu Dhabi history of thrilling upsets and surprise runs makes it a tournament not to miss. With a 56-player draw and world-class depth, even early-round clashes feel like finals.
What to Watch
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Can the elite players thrive under the desert sun and build consistency early in the season?
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Are the young stars ready to upend established champions on a big stage?
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Will Belinda Bencic find the form that took her to the title in 2025?
WTA 250 – Ostrava Open
February 1–7, 2026 • Indoor Hard • Ostrava, Czech Republic
The Ostrava Open returns as a compact WTA 250 stop filled with depth and potential surprises.
Notable Entrants
Players like Emiliana Arango, Anna Blinkova, Katie Boulter, Oceane Dodin, Magdalena Frech, Dalma Galfi, Viktoriya Golubic, Julia Grabher and Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva are already confirmed — with more names expected as the draw finalizes.
This event is ideal for emerging contenders to gain confidence and ranking points heading into higher-tier tournaments. Look for the seasoned pros to use Ostrava as a springboard, while younger players aim for a breakout week.
WTA 250 – Transylvania Open (Cluj-Napoca)
January 31–February 7, 2026 • Indoor Hard • Cluj-Napoca, Romania
The Transylvania Open in Cluj-Napoca has quickly established itself as one of Eastern Europe’s favorite WTA stops, mixing local favorites with international talent.
2026 Field Highlights
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Emma Raducanu returns, bringing star power and top-level grit after her major-winning breakthrough.
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Veterans like Sorana Cirstea and Jaqueline Cristian bolster the draw for the home crowd, adding meaningful storylines.
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Other players such as Anna Bondar, Lucia Bronzetti, Varvara Gracheva, and Olga Danilovic add depth to a very competitive 32-player field.
Former champions and recent finalists bring experience, while younger challengers target the title in a packed indoor arena setting that encourages fast, aggressive tennis.
Final Thoughts — 2026 Early Season Tennis
The early weeks of 2026’s tennis season are packed with rich narratives:
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ATP Montpellier sets the tone with crucial ranking points and early momentum building.
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WTA Dubai’s 1000 status ensures star power and elite competition.
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Ostrava and Cluj-Napoca provide pivotal chances for rising women’s talents to shine.
Across these events, expect fierce competition, tactical battles, and breakout performances that could define player momentum into the spring hard-court swing and beyond.
