Tennis has always been an exciting sport to watch, but as we move into 2026, there’s a whole new generation of players who are set to take the game to the next level. From rising stars to seasoned players who are still dominating, 2026 promises to be an exciting year for tennis fans.
In this article, we’ll highlight the 10 best tennis players to watch in 2026. These players have the skills, determination, and potential to make waves in the tennis world. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just getting into the sport, these are the players you’ll want to keep an eye on.
1. Carlos Alcaraz – The Future of Men’s Tennis
Why Watch Him:
Carlos Alcaraz is already one of the most exciting young players on the ATP tour, and by 2026, he could be in full swing as one of the sport’s top stars. At just 18, Alcaraz has already won Grand Slam titles, including his US Open victory in 2022, and shown impressive versatility on all surfaces. His athleticism, speed, and powerful game make him a force to be reckoned with.
By 2026, Alcaraz could be firmly in the hunt for the World No. 1 ranking, and tennis fans will be watching to see if he can add even more Grand Slam trophies to his collection.
2. Emma Raducanu – A Rising Star in Women’s Tennis
Why Watch Her:
After her surprise US Open win in 2021, Emma Raducanu became a household name, and by 2026, she’s expected to be at the forefront of women’s tennis. Raducanu’s ability to stay calm under pressure and her consistent baseline game make her a major contender in any tournament.
Despite a challenging few years with injuries and form, Raducanu’s potential is undeniable. By 2026, she could be a top contender in all Grand Slams and perhaps even securing a World No. 1 ranking.
3. Coco Gauff – The American Sensation
Why Watch Her:
Coco Gauff has already made a name for herself with her athleticism, powerful serve, and exceptional movement on the court. As of 2026, she will still be in the prime of her career, and her potential to claim multiple Grand Slam titles is huge.
Gauff’s maturity and poise under pressure are already impressive for her age, and her determination to improve means that she’ll continue to rise in the rankings. She is definitely one to watch in the coming years.
4. Daniil Medvedev – Consistency and Power
Why Watch Him:
By 2026, Daniil Medvedev could very well be one of the top players of the era. Known for his incredible consistency, speed, and ability to mix up his game, Medvedev has already won US Open titles and has been a regular fixture in the later rounds of Grand Slams. His mental toughness and defensive skills make him a tough competitor on any surface.
In 2026, Medvedev could still be challenging for Grand Slam titles and solidifying his place as one of the best of his generation.
5. Iga Świątek – Dominating Women’s Tennis
Why Watch Her:
Iga Świątek is already a force in women’s tennis, and by 2026, she could be the dominant player on the WTA tour. With multiple French Open titles and a World No. 1 ranking, Świątek has proven she can perform under pressure, and her aggressive style of play makes her difficult to beat.
By 2026, Świątek may have claimed even more Grand Slam titles and could be firmly entrenched as the best player in women’s tennis.
6. Jannik Sinner – The Italian Next-Gen Star
Why Watch Him:
Jannik Sinner is one of the most promising young talents in men’s tennis. His power, precision, and all-around game have made him a top contender at major tournaments. Sinner’s explosive style and mental toughness give him the potential to be a top-ranked player by 2026.
With more experience and growth in his game, he could be a consistent threat in Grand Slam finals and challenging for the World No. 1 ranking.
7. Aryna Sabalenka – Power and Precision
Why Watch Her:
Aryna Sabalenka is known for her incredible power on the court, with one of the strongest serves and forehands in women’s tennis. By 2026, Sabalenka could be at the top of the women’s game, regularly competing for Grand Slam titles. Her aggressive playing style, combined with improved consistency, makes her a dangerous player to watch.
As she continues to mature, Sabalenka’s ability to take control of matches with her powerful game will keep her in the conversation for the top spot in women’s tennis.
8. Felix Auger-Aliassime – The Canadian Star
Why Watch Him:
Felix Auger-Aliassime has already shown glimpses of greatness, and by 2026, he could be a consistent threat in the top 10. With his strong serve, powerful forehand, and fluid movement, Auger-Aliassime has the tools to win major titles. He’s been improving steadily and could make a serious push for Grand Slam wins in the next few years.
By 2026, Auger-Aliassime could very well be a fixture in the ATP Top 5 and a player to watch in every Grand Slam.
9. Bianca Andreescu – The Comeback Kid
Why Watch Her:
After a historic US Open win in 2019, Bianca Andreescu has had her fair share of challenges with injuries. However, by 2026, Andreescu could be back at her best, showcasing the explosive talent that made her a Grand Slam champion. Her powerful game and competitive spirit make her a player to watch, and her potential to win more Grand Slams is high.
With the right recovery and focus, Andreescu could return to the top of the women’s game and be a strong contender for major titles in the years to come.
10. Stefanos Tsitsipas – The All-Around Threat
Why Watch Him:
Stefanos Tsitsipas is already one of the most exciting players on the ATP tour. With his combination of powerful groundstrokes, creativity, and athleticism, Tsitsipas is a true all-around player. He’s made it to Grand Slam finals and continues to improve with each year.
By 2026, Tsitsipas could be challenging for more Grand Slam titles and could solidify his place as one of the top players in the world. His emotional maturity and ability to adapt to different surfaces make him a great player to watch in the coming years.
Conclusion
The tennis world is full of talent, and 2026 promises to be a thrilling year with these incredible players leading the charge. From Carlos Alcaraz’s dominance on the ATP tour to Iga Świątek’s continued success on the WTA tour, the future of tennis looks bright. As these players grow, evolve, and challenge each other, there’s no telling just how exciting the sport will be in the next few years.
So, mark your calendars and get ready to watch these future tennis stars rise to greatness!
Which tennis player are you most excited to watch in 2026? Do you think any of these players will dominate the sport? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
