The WTA has released its 2026 season calendar, featuring more than 50 tournaments across 26 countries and territories. The season will begin on January 2 with the United Cup and conclude once again with the prestigious WTA Finals in Riyadh, scheduled for November 7–14. It will mark the third consecutive year that Saudi Arabia hosts the year-end championships.
Stability Over Expansion
“The release of the 2026 WTA calendar reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering a world-class tour,” said WTA CEO Portia Archer. “With marquee events in key markets, we’re providing our athletes the strongest global stage to perform, inspire fans, and continue growing the reach of women’s tennis.”
The 2026 Tour Calendar includes:
• 10 WTA 1000 events — seven of them extended to a 12-day format
• 17 WTA 500 tournaments
• 22 WTA 250 tournaments
After years of calendar reshuffling and geopolitical uncertainty, the WTA is focusing on continuity and stability rather than expansion.
Grand Slams Retain Traditional Dates
The four Grand Slams will remain in their traditional slots:
• Australian Open: January 18 – February 1
• Roland Garros: May 24 – June 7
• Wimbledon: June 29 – July 12
• US Open: August 30 – September 13
WTA Finals Stay in Saudi Arabia
The WTA reaffirmed its commitment to equal prize money at combined events and to initiatives supporting player well-being, including maternity and fertility protection programs. However, the continued branding of these efforts under the PIF Maternity Fund remains controversial. Many fans and players have voiced discomfort with the growing influence of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. They argue that such sponsorships clash with the WTA’s long-standing mission to promote gender equality and independence in women’s sport.
Despite the debate, the WTA maintains that these programs are designed to help athletes take personal breaks without financial or ranking setbacks.
Despite the controversy, hosting the Finals in Saudi Arabia has elevated the sport’s global visibility to unprecedented levels. Once again, the top eight singles players and doubles teams of the season will compete for the title. Past champions include Coco Gauff (2024), Iga Swiatek (2023), Caroline Garcia (2022), and Garbiñe Muguruza (2021).
As of now, five players have already secured their spots for the 2025 WTA Finals: Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Amanda Anisimova, Coco Gauff, and Madison Keys. The remaining three spots are being contested by Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva, Jasmine Paolini, and Elena Rybakina.
Related WTA Articles You Might Enjoy
WTA Tournament Calendar 2025 – Full Schedule & Results (Opens in a new browser tab)