ASB Classic Auckland WTA 2026: Schedule, Entry List, Draw and Predictions

The ASB Classic is due to take place between 5-11 January, 2026 and is the starter to the 2026 season alongside the Brisbane International and the United Cup. It is on the WTA 250 calendar.

Elina Svitolina, Emma Navarro, Iva Jovic and Alexandra Eala lead a pretty quality field on paper as it often attracts. This also includes Katie Boulter, Sloane Stephens and Venus Williams as wildcards.

They rallied well after it was confirmed that Naomi Osaka was due to play the event but withdrew and has played the United Cup instead. Emma Raducanu also a usual staple of this event will make her United Cup debut. The women's tournament has become a true staple of the calendar reaching its 39th staging.

Clara Tauson is defending champion but she will not defend her title in 2026 meaning there will be a new champion crowned with a lot of top names to choose from.

The draw is likely to take place in the days prior from New Years Day onwards (January 1) before the event starts in the new week. When confirmed, the draw will be here.

The schedule will be confirmed likely on 3-4 January before the tournament starts on the 5th with the top names likely on paper to get a bye. It will be updated here also with the results.

Samuel Gill, Head Editor for TennisUpToDate sees Elina Svitolina sealing the title in Auckland.

Personally one of my favourite tournaments to begin the season with often the better stories than in Brisbane or United Cup as all players either have a point to prove or are pretty even.

Elina Svitolina for me is the standout. She is one to excel in these kinds of tournaments and in reality compared to others has been playing during her off season. She has teamed with Gael Monfils back home in France for a cup over there and also played World Tennis League.

Monfils also plays in Auckland too in the men's event so in reality she has her husband with her during his final year which will likely buoy her and she has been without a title for a bit so I think it's time. Other players to watch include Emma Navarro to see how she rises to the task after a pretty awful 2025. Iva Jovic had a great 2025 and now 18 can one play all the events and two show her talent off and she has plenty of that. Her and Eala for me are two to watch this week.

*** Elina Svitolina

** Emma Navarro, Iva Jovic

* Alexandra Eala, Donna Vekic, Ella Seidel

Lucas Michael, Editor for TennisUpToDate picks the rising young talent of 18-year-old Iva Jovic to fit the mould in Auckland.

The ASB Classic could go anyone’s way as the best WTA players on the planet look to start strong in a season which holds so much hope. A return to WTA action would be something Elina Svitolina would relish after a stint away from the court following the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. Her and Emma Navarro are the standout players in this field for me, but the American’s form in 2025 has slumped after what was such a great 2024, which began with a semi-final in this event. After making the Australian Open quarter-final last year, it will not surprise me if she has a change of fortune on court and continues her positive spell Down Under.

For me, however, I just cannot look past the young talents competing in this event, most notably Iva Jovic and Alexandra Eala. The pair enjoyed breakout campaigns on the WTA Tour last year, and both go into the event as WTA title holders.

I feel like the Brits of Sonay Kartal and Francesca Jones could make an impact in this event. Especially Karta who enjoyed some deep runs in big events in the second half of 2025. If she produces that same form, then there is a chance she can clinch her second WTA title.

The title in Auckland, in my opinion, will he hotly contested between a whole host of players. Nevertheless, I believe it will be a battle between the Americans for glory. I am going to lean with youth and choose Jovic for the title in New Zealand.

*** Iva Jovic

** Emma Navarro, Elina Svitolina

* Alexandra Eala, Sonay Kartal, Janice Tjen