A late inclusion: Elena Rybakina enters star-studded Queen's lineup as grass swing start pushed forward
WTA
After a hugely disappointing Roland Garros campaign, Elena Rybakina is starting her grass season earlier than anticipated. The former Wimbledon champion will take to the courts at the Queen's Club Championships in the hope of getting back on track.
She is a late replacement for Linda Noskova, grabbing the opportunity with open arms as the second WTA edition of the tournament since its return is to get started from June 6-14 in the English capital.
The Kazakh was a part of the start-studded lineup which played in the first women's tournament at Queens since 1974. She would exit early, going down in straight sets against Tatjana Maria who was a surprising victor.
Her grass swing last year was not up to the standards expected. A quarter-final in Berlin was followed by a hugely disappointing third round exit at SW19. She is a better player now compared to then having since gone on to win the WTA Finals and Australian Open titles.
All of this is in preparation for the next Grand Slam. As soon as Roland Garros comes to a conclusion, all eyes will be focused on Wimbledon. Rybakina won the title in 2022 after defeating Ons Jabeur 3-6, 6-2, 6-2. She was heavily favoured in 2024 but lost at the semi-final stage to eventual champion Barbora Krejcikova.
Rybakina adds her name to stacked entry list
The Kazakh is now the top seed and arguably the favourite for the title. American duo Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova return as some of the big names. Anisimova reached the final last year before going on to make a name for herself with a run to the final at Wimbledon.
Victoria Mboko is the other top 10 inclusion. Belinda Bencic and the formidable Marta Kostyuk will have their eyes set on the title with Iva Jovic, Sorana Cirstea, Leylah Fernandez and Diana Shnaider all challengers.
The British contingent is led by Emma Raducanu whose time on court has been limited in recent weeks.
Entry list WTA Queen's 2026
| Rank | Player | Country |
| 2 | Elena Rybakina | KAZ |
| 5 | Jessica Pegula | USA |
| 6 | Amanda Anisimova | USA |
| 9 | Victoria Mboko | CAN |
| 11 | Belinda Bencic | SUI |
| 15 | Marta Kostyuk | UKR |
| 17 | Iva Jovic | USA |
| 18 | Sorana Cîrstea | ROU |
| 22 | Leylah Fernandez | CAN |
| 23 | Diana Shnaider | RUS |
| 24 | Anna Kalinskaya | RUS |
| 27 | Liudmila Samsonova | RUS |
| 28 | Marie Bouzková | CZE |
| 29 | Ann Li | USA |
| 32 | Jaqueline Cristian | ROU |
| 39 | Emma Raducanu | GBR |
Lucas MichaelTennis Journalist
Lucas Michael is a tennis journalist based in Cambridge, UK, specializing in comprehensive coverage of the ATP and WTA tours. For the past 1.5 years, he has been a core contributor to TennisUpToDate, where he has authored more than 3,000 data-driven match reports, deep-dive analysis pieces, and engaging liveblogs.
Lucas pairs real-time statistical analysis with on-the-ground reporting, frequently traveling to tournaments to cover the action firsthand from the press box and player press conferences. This blend of advanced metrics and direct access allows him to provide sharp context regarding player form, tactical trends, and breaking tour developments.
He holds a BA (Hons) in Sports Journalism. Grounded in core journalistic ethics, Lucas places a strict emphasis on meticulous sourcing, editorial accuracy, and a commitment to updating live content swiftly as verified information emerges.
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- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
