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Coaches Corner: Five First-Time WTA Grand Slam Champions-in-Waiting

Phil Naessens04 mins
first-time WTA Grand Slam

Coaches Corner: Five First-Time WTA Grand Slam Champions-in-Waiting

The 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most wide-open years in recent WTA history.

Injuries, comebacks, surging teenagers, and returning moms have created a landscape where more players than ever have a real chance to claim their first Grand Slam title.

Among them, five women rise above the rest, and 2026 could be the year they become first-time WTA Grand Slam winners. 

🇺🇸 Jessica Pegula — It’s Now or Never

It’s wild to think Jessica Pegula hasn’t won a major, because she has won everything else but the coveted Grand Slam.

Career Grand Slam résumé

  • Record: 74–39
  • Best run: 2024 US Open loss to Aryna Sabalenka (7–5, 7–5)
  • Two-time semifinalist: US Open 2024 & 2025
  • Eight-time quarterfinalist

Pegula has been a point or two away from her first-time WTA Grand Slam , but she needs to trust her forehand in the latter stages the way she does in the earlier rounds. Pegula fights; five of her 12 matches this past season against top-10 opponents went the distance — which tells you she’s inches away from hoisting her first major. If she can flip one late-match gear, 2026 is in play.

🇷🇺 Mirra Andreeva — The Time Is Now

Forget about the occasional temper tantrums and focus on the reality: teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva is probably going to win her first major sooner rather than later. She already plays with the poise, tactical awareness, and competitive edge of a top-five player, and she’s still years from her physical peak.

Career Grand Slam résumé

  • Record: 34–11
  • Best run: 2024 Roland Garros semifinal
  • Semifinals: 1 (Roland Garros 2024)
  • Quarterfinals: 3 (AO 2024, RG 2024, Wimbledon 2024)

She’s already beaten Slam champions, already thrived under pressure, and already shown she belongs deep in the second week. Her defensive mastery and counterpunching flair translated into a 6–4 record vs. the top 10 last season, including a three-set win over Aryna Sabalenka at Indian Wells. The ingredients are all there for Andreeva to become a first-time WTA Grand Slam champion in 2026.

🇺🇸 Amanda Anisimova — Third Time’s the Charm

Amanda Anisimova has been knocking on the Slam door since she was 17. Her ball-striking is top-tier, her ability to take time away is world-class, and when she gets into rhythm, she looks every bit like a future major champion.

Career Grand Slam résumé

  • Record: 47–26
  • Best run: Two-time finalist (2025 Wimbledon, 2025 US Open)
  • Semifinals: 3 (Roland Garros 2019, Wimbledon 2025, US Open 2025)
  • Quarterfinals: 4 (Roland Garros 2019, Wimbledon 2022, Wimbledon 2025, US Open 2025)

Anisimova is on a run and looks like a good bet to win her first Grand Slam in 2026. She took a brutal double-bagel from Iga Świątek at Wimbledon, then was a missed ball away from forcing a deciding set in the US Open final against Aryna Sabalenka. With a 10–5 mark vs. the world’s elite last season, the ceiling is slam-winning and conquering nerves at the very end of the run.

🇨🇭 Belinda Bencic — Mommy Knows Best

Belinda Bencic has returned from maternity leave with a clearer mind and sharper purpose — and the tour is already feeling it. One of the best timing players of her generation, Bencic takes the ball early, redirects pace effortlessly, and disrupts rhythm in ways few players can match.

Career Grand Slam résumé

  • Record: 69–36
  • Best runs: 2019 US Open semifinal, 2025 Wimbledon semifinal
  • Semifinals: 2 (US Open 2019, Wimbledon 2025)
  • Quarterfinals: 4 (US Open 2014, US Open 2019, US Open 2021, Wimbledon 2025)

Bencic doesn’t serve big, but when it lands, it’s effective. She wins 72% of her service games and 66% of her first-serve points. Her steady groundstrokes help generate a 44% break-of-serve rate, though she finished 3–9 vs. the top 10 last season. With improving fitness and a calmer mental approach post-maternity, Bencic is in a position to chase a first Slam in 2026.

🇷🇺 Ekaterina Alexandrova — The Darkhorse Nobody Should Ignore

Ekaterina Alexandrova is the dangerous floater nobody wants in their section of the draw. When her flat, penetrating groundstrokes and first serve are clicking, she can hit through any court and overwhelm even the highest seeds.

Career Grand Slam résumé

  • Record: 43–35
  • Best run: 2025 US Open Round of 16
  • Quarterfinals: 0
  • Fourth rounds: 4 (Wimbledon 2023, Roland Garros 2024, Wimbledon 2024, US Open 2025)

While Alexandrova hasn’t reached a Slam quarterfinal yet, she made real strides last season, reaching four WTA finals and winning the title in Linz. Her ball-striking and return game are major league. Her biggest weakness? Nerves on serve; she finished the season second only to Coco Gauff in double faults (300). Still, she recorded big wins over Pegula, Andreeva, and Sabalenka last season. Tighten the serve and manage pressure better, and 2026 could be when she finally fulfills her high ceiling.

 

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