WTA Mubadala DC Open Entry List: Pegula & Keys Headline Strong DC Field

The 2026 Mubadala DC Open officially kicks off the North American hard-court swing for many of the WTA Tour’s biggest stars, and all eyes will turn to Saturday, July 25, at 3 p.m. ET, when the singles draw is revealed.

This year’s WTA 500 field features Grand Slam champions, former Washington winners, established Top 20 players, and rising stars looking to build momentum before the Canadian Open, Cincinnati Open, and ultimately the US Open.

With only a 28-player singles draw, there will be little room for easy opening-round matches.

Here are the biggest storylines to watch ahead of the WTA Mubadala DC Open Entry List, beginning July 27.

Jessica Pegula Returns to Familiar Territory

Jessica Pegula knows what it takes to win in Washington. The former champion is 37-13 on the cement over the past year, and without any points to defend, can gain some ground in the rankings.

Defending Champion Leylah Fernandez Looks to Repeat

Leylah Fernandez returns to Washington as the defending champion. She’s dropped six of her previous seven matches and desperately to do well here or she will surely tumble in the rankings.

Naomi Osaka Headlines Former Grand Slam Champions

Few players command as much attention during the hard-court swing as Naomi Osaka. A four-time Grand Slam champion and multiple-time US Open winner, Osaka has historically played her best tennis on hard courts and could quickly become the player no one wants to face.

Joining her is seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams, who is returning to Washington seeking to end an 11-match losing streak.

Madison Keys possesses one of the biggest games on tour and has always been dangerous on outdoor hard courts. She’s hoping to return to the Top 10, and like Pegula, has no points in Washington to defend.

American Fans Have Plenty to Cheer For

The home crowd will have no shortage of Americans to support throughout the week.

Pegula, Keys, Emma Navarro, Sofia Kenin, Ann Li, Ashlyn Krueger, and Venus Williams headline a strong American contingent capable of making deep runs. Depending on the draw, several could find themselves facing each other much earlier than expected.

Rising Stars Could Shake Up the Draw

Alexandra Eala continues to impress against top competition, Clara Tauson remains one of the WTA Tour’s biggest hitters, while Diana Shnaider is hoping to continue her rise after a strong French Open.

Dangerous Floaters Everywhere

Even the seeded players will have little margin for error.

Former Washington champion Liudmila Samsonova, Elina Svitolina, Diana Shnaider, Anna Kalinskaya, Anastasia Potapova, Magdalena Frech, Xinyu Wang, Cristina Bucsa, and Elisabetta Cocciaretto all have the experience and firepower to eliminate seeded opponents early.

Tournament Information

• Tournament: Mubadala DC Open
• Category: WTA 500
• Dates: July 27-Aug. 2, 2026
• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Surface: Outdoor hard courts
• Singles Draw: 28 players
• Doubles Draw: 16 teams
• Total Prize Money: $1,637,982
• Draw Reveal: Saturday, July 25, at 3 p.m. ET

Recent Champions

• 2025: Leylah Fernandez
• 2024: Paula Badosa
• 2023: Coco Gauff
• 2022: Liudmila Samsonova
• 2019: Jessica Pegula

2026 Mubadala DC Open WTA Entry List

• Jessica Pegula
• Elina Svitolina
• Naomi Osaka
• Venus Williams
• Leylah Fernandez
• Diana Shnaider
• Anna Kalinskaya
• Madison Keys
• Qinwen Zheng
• Clara Tauson
• Emma Navarro
• Anastasia Potapova
• Ann Li
• Xinyu Wang
• Alexandra Eala
• Cristina Bucsa
• Janice Tjen
• Liudmila Samsonova
• Magdalena Frech
• Sara Bejlek
• Elisabetta Cocciaretto
• Sofia Kenin
• Ashlyn Krueger