The term WTA rising star gets thrown around too easily on the WTA Tour.
For this list, that means teenagers whose results already justify belief. These aren’t projections or social-media narratives.
They’re players producing WTA tour-level wins, handling pressure, and showing that their games translate beyond ranking math as the 2026 season approaches.
EDITORS’ NOTE: This Rising Stars list was compiled after our Over-Hyped analysis and uses a deliberately stricter standard. Inclusion here is based on tour-level results that already translate, not projections, junior résumés, or narrative momentum. Players discussed in the Over-Hyped piece were evaluated separately and intentionally excluded from this list.
The WTA Rising Stars
Mirra Andreeva (18)
Mirra Andreeva has already cleared the “can she win big matches?” phase. Her Indian Wells and Dubai titles placed her in rare historical company, but the more important takeaway is how she wins: disciplined point construction, tactical patience, and maturity well beyond her age. Her 9–10 record against WTA Tour elite opponents confirms she plays without fear against the Top 10.
Why she is a WTA rising star:
She’s the most accomplished rising star on this list — and the most likely to win her first major title.
Victoria Mboko (19)
Victoria Mboko won seven pro titles in 2025, including the Canadian Open and the Hong Kong Open. She brings a heavy serve-plus-forehand combination, and while double faults remain the swing variable, her ability to overpower experienced opponents already separates her from most of her peer group.
Why she is a WTA rising star:
Her rise from No. 333 in January to a career-high No. 18 wasn’t a fluke — nor was becoming the second-youngest WTA player to defeat four former Grand Slam champions to win the Canadian Open.
Iva Jovic (18)
Iva Jovic’s rise into the Top 40 is exactly how legitimate progression should look. She hits through both wings, and her deuce-court backhand has evolved into a genuine weapon — a development that helped deliver her first WTA main-tour title in Guadalajara.
Why she is a WTA rising star:
Jovic doesn’t yet own a marquee Top-20 scalp, but her 3–4 record against Top-50 opponents confirms she already belongs at this level.
Maya Joint (19)
Maya Joint arrives without heavy hype, but her results speak clearly. She’s coming off a 52–28 season with two WTA titles, powered by clean ball-striking from both sides and a deceptively quick serve that plays up on faster courts.
Why she is a WTA rising star:
She may ultimately be more dangerous on clay, but representing Australia at the United Cup places her firmly on the hard-court radar entering 2026.
Tereza Valentová (18)
Tereza Valentová is the latest product of the Czech development pipeline that continues to deliver tour-ready talent. The WTA rising star went 4–4 against Top-50 opponents, and a big serve, effortless groundstrokes, and growing confidence have driven her climb from No. 242 to No. 60.
Why she is a WTA rising star:
Her season-ending run to the Osaka final showed the junior hype wasn’t hype at all — it was simply early.
Bottom Line
Rising stars aren’t defined by age or buzz. They’re defined by results that force the tour and the betting market to adjust. Every player on this list has already crossed that line.
