Upper Austria Ladies Linz 2026: Draw, Schedule, Entry List, Prize Money and Predictions

The Upper Austria Ladies Linz is a top stop off on the WTA 500 tour ahead of a busy period which starts in earnest also at the Stuttgart Open the week after. But heading to Europe between 6-12 April, Linz starts it all off.

Ekaterina Alexandrova is the defending champion and will return to attempt to defend her title. It is the first year that the tournament which is usually on hard courts will be played on indoor clay. But anyone who knows Alexandrova knows she has made a habit of winning titles on any surface indoors.

So she will be among the favourites. Alongside Clara Tauson, Liudmila Samsonova, Emma Navarro, Sorana Cirstea, Abu Dhabi champion Sara Bejlek and Alexandra Eala. It is on the same week also as the Monte-Carlo Masters which is an ATP 1000 but is the only choice for WTA stars albeit most will play Stuttgart the week after instead.

(as of ticktocktennis.com)

The final tournament draws are confirmed 3 days before play starts and will be set here when confirmed.

The tournament starts on 6 April and the schedule will be set likely on 4-5 April.

Samuel Gill, Head Editor for TennisUpToDate.com sees Ekaterina Alexandrova as the standout.

Unfortunately Emma Raducanu won't be playing in Linz due to the lingering effects of her most recent illness in the middle East. But she likely wouldn't have figured, sorry Emma.

In my view Ekaterina Alexandrova and Jelena Ostapenko are the two standouts here. Both are incredibly good indoors. Alexandrova has made a habit of hoovering up these titles and in my view will be at it again here.

Same can be said for Jelena Ostapenko who will soon defend a certain title in Stuttgart in the week after. Emma Navarro, Alexandra Eala I'll also pick for good runs here.

*** Ekaterina Alexandrova

** Jelena Ostapenko, Emma Navarro, Alexandra Eala

Lucas Michael, Editor for TennisUpToDate.com sees Ostapenko winning the title.

An open field will be taking the headlines in Austria. The Upper Ladies Austrian Linz will prove to be a competitive competition as the players adjust on the European clay surfaces.

A number of top seeds enter the fray not in great form. That can be said for Ekaterina Alexandrova who is yet to really get her season up and running, aside from a final in Dubai. She goes into the tournament as the reigning champion and a notable name with a lot of points on the line.

Clara Tauson has just won a single match in her last four appearances on court. Liudmila Samsonova has gone one more without a win. Both players are looking to get back on track with a deep run to gain some momentum.

2024 champion and two-time finalist Jelena Ostapenko could be one of the favourites for the title in Linz. Her prior clay form has been eye-catching and she could sense an opportunity in an open field. The likes of Alexandra Eala, Sorana Cirstea, Barbora Krecjikova and Dubai champion Sara Bejlek could have a say come the end of the tournament.

It could be a tournament that proves to be a foundation for a lesser-known player to make a name for themselves. As for my pick for the title, I am going to pick out Ostapenko for glory.

*** Jelena Ostapenko

** Ekaterina Alexandrova, Clara Tauson, Alexandra Eala, Barbora Krejcikova