The Miami Open has announced its 2026 main-draw wild cards, and the list features a mix of veteran stars, comeback stories, and several teenagers already making a name for themselves in professional tennis.
The biggest name on the list is Venus Williams, a three-time Miami champion who remains one of the most recognizable players in the sport.
But the wild card selections also highlight several young players who represent the next generation of the ATP and WTA tours.
Read on for the 2026 Miami Open wild card recipients.
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Brady Continues Comeback From Injuries
Former 2021 Australian Open finalist Jennifer Brady also received a wild card.
Brady reached the Australian Open final in 2021, finishing runner-up to Naomi Osaka. At the time she was one of the most dangerous hard-court players on the WTA Tour.
Injuries have limited her playing time over the last several seasons. Before returning this year, Brady had not played a match since October 2023.
She has played just two matches so far in 2026, including a first-round loss at Indian Wells.
Miami gives Brady another chance to regain match rhythm at a major tournament.
Krueger Looking to Build Momentum
American Ashlyn Krueger also received a wild card.
Krueger reached the semifinals in Austin earlier this season but has struggled to produce consistent results elsewhere. Miami gives her another opportunity to build momentum during the early part of the season.
Teenagers Highlight the Next Generation
Several wild cards were awarded to teenagers already showing success on the professional circuit.
Seventeen-year-old Emerson Jones has already won four titles on the ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour, showing she can compete against experienced players despite her young age.
Another rising prospect is Lilli Tagger, an 18-year-old Austrian who has enjoyed success at the ITF level. Tagger stands out for using a one-handed backhand, a rare shot in modern women’s tennis.
Young ATP Players Also Receive Wild Cards
The men’s side also features several young prospects.
American Darwin Blanch is one of the most closely watched young players in U.S. tennis. He gained international attention in 2024 when he received a wild card into the Madrid Open and faced Rafael Nadal in the first round.
Another teenager receiving a wild card is Moïse Kouamé, who is just 16 years old and considered one of the most promising young players in French tennis.
The men’s wild cards also include former ATP Tour champion Wu Yibing, along with Martin Damm and Japan’s Rei Sakamoto.
2026 Miami Open Wild Cards
Men
- Martin Damm (USA)
- Darwin Blanch (USA)
- Moïse Kouamé (France)
- Wu Yibing (China)
- Rei Sakamoto (Japan)
Women
- Venus Williams (USA)
- Sloane Stephens (USA)
- Taylor Townsend (USA)
- Ashlyn Krueger (USA)
- Jennifer Brady (USA)
- Lilli Tagger (Austria)
- Emerson Jones (Australia)
- Darja Vidmanova (Czech Republic)
The Big Picture
This year’s Miami wild cards highlight several stages of a tennis career.
Veterans like Venus Williams continue to draw fans. Players such as Jennifer Brady are working their way back from injuries.
At the same time, teenagers including Emerson Jones, Lilli Tagger, Darwin Blanch, and Moïse Kouamé represent the next wave of players trying to break through on the professional tour.
For many of these young players, the Miami Open will be the biggest stage they have experienced so far.
Phil Naessens is a tennis betting analyst and former tennis coach with decades of experience in player development and match analysis. He is the founder of Crush Rush News and host of the Crush & Rush Tennis Podcast, focusing on price-first betting strategy, market efficiency, and transparency in sports wagering.
