This season underlined how open and intense women’s tennis has become. Four different players lifted Grand Slam trophies, Aryna Sabalenka finished as year-end world No 1, Elena Rybakina won the WTA Finals, Amanda Anisimova climbed from No 36 to finish at No 4, Iga Świątek added a sixth major to her haul, and Coco Gauff won the French Open and ended the year at No 3. That mix of champions highlights depth, unpredictability and fresh rivalries across the WTA.
The calendar and the grind
Top players repeatedly flagged the need to manage schedules to avoid physical and mental burnout. The tour’s relentless rhythm can take a heavy toll: Sabalenka stepped away at times to recharge—she has balanced intense training with off-court moments of celebration—and Świątek has spoken openly about tailoring her calendar to keep tennis enjoyable. Ons Jabeur disclosed a prolonged struggle with physical and mental health and stepped back in July; she later revealed she is expecting a baby due in April.
Rybakina primed for 2026
Elena Rybakina closed the year in strong form. Tournament wins in Ningbo, a Tokyo semi-final and an undefeated run to the WTA Finals title—collecting $5.235m—showed her peak level is devastating. Her combination of power and timing makes her very hard to counter when she’s fit and focused. Her inconsistency has often come from illness and off-court disruption: her coach Stefano Vukov faced a provisional suspension earlier in the year after a WTA investigation found breaches of conduct; Rybakina has consistently denied mistreatment, appealed, and Vukov’s ban was lifted in August, allowing him to return.
If Rybakina enters 2026 healthy, settled and motivated, her late-season form suggests she will be among the strongest contenders for big titles. That said, the depth of the tour ensures surprises and ongoing rivalries—no single outcome is a foregone conclusion.
Men’s and British updates
On the ATP side, Cam Norrie’s recovery was a positive storyline—rising from world No 91 in May to around No 27 and earning a seed at the Australian Open. Jack Draper remains a player to watch as he builds momentum. British doubles continues to be a bright spot: Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool have been consistent, and five Brits finished the year inside the doubles top 10.
Joe Salisbury and mental health
Former world No 1 doubles player Joe Salisbury told fans he will step away from the tour to address anxiety. He described symptoms including heart palpitations, poor sleep and appetite, and a persistent sense of dread, and said he expects to be out until at least next April. His decision reinforces a growing acceptance that mental-health breaks are a legitimate and necessary part of elite sport. Wishing him a steady recovery is important; the tennis community has increasingly recognised mental wellbeing alongside physical care.
British women and the off-season
Emma Raducanu withdrew from some post-season exhibitions after developing a light bone bruise on her right foot. Now working with coach Francisco Roig and new physio Emma Stewart, she plans to prepare for the new season, which begins in Perth at the United Cup with Jack Draper and captain Tim Henman. Sonay Kartal and Fran Jones both finished inside the top 100 and will look to build on breakthrough years. Katie Boulter’s priority will be staying healthy and closing the gap on those ahead of her.
There is little real rest in tennis: exhibitions, warm-up events and team competitions continue through the traditional off-season. Sky Sports Tennis will follow Draper’s return at the UTS and the Next Gen Finals and offer extra content via the Sky Sports app.
Pundit predictions for 2026
Sky Sports Tennis pundits Tim Henman, Laura Robson and Jonathan Overend made varied year-ahead calls:
– Year-end No 1 predictions: Henman picked Alcaraz & Gauff; Robson chose Sinner & Rybakina; Overend went Sinner & Sabalenka.
– Australian Open: all three tipped Rybakina.
– French Open: Henman said Gauff, Robson and Overend backed Świątek.
– Wimbledon: Henman chose Gauff, Robson backed Sabalenka and Overend picked Rybakina.
– US Open: Henman picked Gauff, Robson Anisimova and Overend Sabalenka.
– On whether anyone outside Alcaraz or Sinner would win a men’s Slam final: all three said no.
– Draper to reach a Slam final: Henman suggested Wimbledon; Robson and Overend gave no answer.
Thanks and looking ahead
Thanks to everyone involved in Sky Sports Tennis this year and to viewers for watching. The team are already planning content for 2026—Tim will work on his TikToks, Laura will balance tennis with London Marathon training, and the crew look forward to bringing live ATP and WTA coverage back to fans. Watch tours live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW, and follow extra content on the Sky Sports app.