Aryna Sabalenka And Elena Rybakina Top Star-Studded 2026 Madrid Open Women's Entry List

See the 2026 Madrid Open entry list featuring Sabalenka, Swiatek, and wildcard Venus Williams. Get the latest on player withdrawals and protected rankings.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 4:10 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

The Gateway to the European Clay Season

The Madrid Open returns to the Caja Majica from April 21 to May 3, serving as the premier 1000-level clay-court event of the WTA calendar. Since transitioning to clay in 2009, the tournament has become a critical indicator of form ahead of Roland Garros. This year, the main draw will feature a massive 96-player field, consisting of 76 direct entrants based on rankings, 12 successful qualifiers, and eight strategically placed wildcards. Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated Coco Gauff in a thrilling 2025 final, enters as the top seed and a primary favorite to claim her fourth title in the Spanish capital.

High Profile Wildcards and Returning Legends

Tournament organizers have finalized a diverse group of wildcard recipients, headlined by seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams. Joining her in the main draw are Spanish star Paula Badosa and Australian Ajla Tomljanovic, both of whom have missed significant time due to physical setbacks. Other wildcard spots have been awarded to rising prospects such as Ashlyn Krueger, Emiliana Arango, Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva, Robin Montgomery, and Carlota Martinez Cirez. These entries add significant veteran presence and local interest to a draw already saturated with top-tier talent.

Protected Rankings and Injury Updates

The 2026 entry list highlights the continued use of the WTA protected ranking system, which assists players returning from long-term injury or pregnancy absences. Former world number one Karolina Pliskova has utilized a special ranking to secure her spot in the main draw. However, the tournament has already recorded its first withdrawals, as Varvara Gracheva and Sonay Kartal have pulled out due to undisclosed fitness issues. They will be replaced by Eva Lys and Petra Marcinko, respectively. Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu remains on the entry list despite having not competed since Indian Wells, signaling her intention to participate in the European swing.