HSBC Championships 2026 WTA Preview, Top Seeds, Players to Watch & Predictions

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  • WTA 500 event starts grass-court season at Queen’s Club, London
  • Top seeds include Rybakina (1), Anisimova (2), and Bencic (4)
  • Fast grass courts reward aggressive players; live streaming available
Elena Rybakina
Elena Rybakina leads a strong field at the 2026 HSBC Championships, with Amanda Anisimova, Belinda Bencic, and defending champion Tatjana Maria among the leading contenders at Queen's Club. (credit: Getty)

The 2026 HSBC Championships marks the start of the WTA grass-court season at the historic Queen’s Club in London. As a WTA 500 event and one of the most prestigious Wimbledon warm-up tournaments, it attracts a strong field eager to gain momentum on grass ahead of the year's third Grand Slam. 

Fast courts, low bounces, and traditional grass-court conditions make Queen’s Club one of the most unique stops on the calendar. Defending champion Tatjana Maria returns alongside top contenders Elena Rybakina, Amanda Anisimova, and Belinda Bencic, setting the stage for an exciting week of tennis in the British capital.

Tournament Overview

The 2026 HSBC Championships kicks off the WTA grass-court season at London's historic Queen's Club. As a prestigious WTA 500 event and a key Wimbledon warm-up, the tournament features a strong field led by Elena Rybakina, Amanda Anisimova, and defending champion Tatjana Maria, with the fast grass courts expected to reward aggressive, first-strike tennis throughout the week.

  • Category: WTA 500 
  • Surface: Outdoor Grass 
  • Location: London, United Kingdom 
  • Venue: The Queen's Club 
  • Draw: 28 Singles / 24 Qualifying / 16 Doubles 
  • Prize Money: $1,415,000 
  • Defending Champion: Tatjana Maria 
  • Top Seed: Elena Rybakina

Ranking Points & Prize Money Breakdown

The HSBC Championships offers valuable ranking points and prize money during the opening week of the grass-court season, with the champion earning 500 WTA ranking points and $294,445 ahead of Wimbledon.

RoundRanking PointsPrize Money
Winner500$294,445
Finalist325$181,745
Semifinalist195$104,770
Quarterfinalist108$53,135
Round of 1660$28,245
First Round1$20,160

Playing Conditions & Court Speed

The grass courts at Queen's Club are among the fastest on the WTA Tour, rewarding players who can serve effectively, attack early, and take control of rallies. The low bounce and quick pace favour aggressive all-court players, making the HSBC Championships an important early test ahead of Wimbledon.

FactorImpact
Surface SpeedFast grass-court conditions
Court TypeOutdoor grass
Bounce LevelLow, skidding bounce
Rally LengthGenerally short points
Key AdvantageStrong serving and first-strike tennis
Favoured PlayersAggressive baseliners and all-court players
Wimbledon RelevanceIdeal preparation for grass-court tennis

Recent Champions

The women's event returned to Queen's Club in 2025 after a 52-year absence, with Tatjana Maria becoming the first champion of the modern era. Before that, the last women's singles title at the venue was won by Olga Morozova in 1973.

YearChampionRunner-up
2025Tatjana MariaAmanda Anisimova
1973Olga MorozovaEvonne Goolagong
1972Chris EvertKaren Krantzcke
1971Margaret CourtBillie Jean King

Top 8 Seeds

A high-quality field has assembled for the 2026 HSBC Championships, with former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina leading the draw as the top seed. Amanda Anisimova, Belinda Bencic, and Marta Kostyuk are among the other leading contenders, while defending champion Tatjana Maria will look to make another deep run on her favourite surface.

SeedPlayerRanking
1Elena Rybakina2
2Amanda Anisimova6
3Victoria Mboko9
4Belinda Bencic11
5Marta Kostyuk15
6Iva Jovic17
7Sorana Cirstea18
8Leylah Fernandez22

Players to Watch

Elena Rybakina 
The top seed is one of the most accomplished grass-court players in the field and a former Wimbledon champion. Her powerful serve and aggressive baseline game make her a natural favourite at Queen's Club. 

Amanda Anisimova 
Anisimova arrives with plenty of momentum and has developed into one of the most consistent performers on the WTA Tour. Her clean ball-striking and attacking style are well suited to fast grass courts. 

Belinda Bencic 
Bencic's all-court game, tactical intelligence, and grass-court experience make her a dangerous contender. The Swiss star has the variety needed to thrive in quick conditions. 

Marta Kostyuk 
Kostyuk has enjoyed an impressive season and continues to climb the rankings with her aggressive brand of tennis. If she adapts quickly to the surface, she has the potential to make a deep run. 

Tatjana Maria 
The defending champion returns to the venue where she made history in 2025. Her slice-heavy style and extensive grass-court experience make her one of the toughest opponents in the draw.

How to Watch – WTA London 2026

No cable? No problem. All you need is a betting account and a screen. WTA London is streamed live in HD by top bookmakers — no extra subscription needed.

🎬 Quick Setup in 30 Seconds: 
1️⃣ Sign up at [Stake] or [bet365]
2️⃣ Deposit $1 or equivalent (no need to place a bet right away) 
3️⃣ Go to Live Tennis → WTA London/Queens → Hit “Watch Live” 
That’s it. You’re watching Main Court live from anywhere. 

WTA London Live Streams

Verdict

Elena Rybakina enters the HSBC Championships as the deserved favourite thanks to her proven grass-court pedigree and powerful first-strike game. Amanda Anisimova looks the most likely challenger after her strong recent form, while Belinda Bencic could be the value pick given her experience and versatile all-court style. With Wimbledon fast approaching, expect a highly competitive week at Queen's Club.

Best Bet1: Elena Rybakina Tournament Winner @175.00 at Stake.com - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Amanda Anisimova Tournament Winner @610.00 at Stake.com - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Belinda Bencic Tournament Winner @710.00 at Stake.com - 1 Unit
Elena Rybakina
Tournament Winner
@175.00 - 3 Units
25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC
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Amanda Anisimova
Tournament Winner
@610.00 - 2 Units
25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC
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Belinda Bencic
Tournament Winner
@710.00 - 1 Unit
25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Get 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins when you sign up with code NEWBONUS at Stake.us. USA only. Excludes certain States including NY,NV,ID, KY,WA. 18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet at Stake.com