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Mérida Open Akron 2026 Preview, Analysis & Title Predictions
- WTA Merida Open Akron 2026 upgraded to a WTA 500 event
- Held at Yucatan Country Club with medium-fast outdoor hard courts
- World No. 5 Jessica Pegula leads a strong player field
General view of Yucatan Country Club at Merida Open Akron.
(credit: Getty)
- Tournament Overview & Format
- Venue & Playing Conditions
- Top Seeds
- Players to Watch
- How to Watch WTA Merida 2026 Live (Free)
Staged at the Yucatan Country Club, the tournament blends elite competition with the distinctive charm of Mérida, Mexico’s historic “White City.” With a compact 28-player draw and demanding tropical conditions, the margin for error is slim, making this one of the most intriguing February events outside the Grand Slam spotlight.
Tournament Overview & Format
The Mérida Open Akron is staged on outdoor hard courts at the Yucatan Country Club, forming an important part of the early-season February swing. Since launching in 2023 and earning promotion to WTA 500 status in 2025, the event has grown into a significant opportunity for players to secure valuable ranking points before the bigger spring tournaments.
Draw & Structure
- Singles Draw: 28 players
- Doubles Draw: 16 teams
- Match Format: Best of three sets
- Seeds: 8 seeded players (top seeds receive first-round byes)
- Matches Required to Win Title: 4 for seeded players, 5 for unseeded
With a reduced 28-player main draw, the format increases early pressure on unseeded competitors while rewarding higher-ranked players with byes. The medium-fast surface and demanding climate ensure that sharp starts and physical resilience are essential from the opening rounds.
Venue & Playing Conditions
The Mérida Open Akron takes place at the Yucatan Country Club, where outdoor hard courts play at a medium to medium-fast speed. The surface favours proactive baseline players who can step inside the court and dictate rallies, while still rewarding those with the movement and endurance to handle longer exchanges.
Unlike milder North American February events, Mérida presents a tropical challenge. Daytime temperatures typically range between 28–32°C, with humidity remaining a factor into the evening sessions. The heavier air places greater emphasis on physical conditioning, clean ball-striking and efficient point construction, particularly as the tournament progresses.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Yucatan Country Club, Mérida |
| Surface | Outdoor hard |
| Court Pace | Medium to medium-fast |
| Climate | Tropical, humid |
| Typical Temperature | 28–32°C daytime, warm evenings |
Top Seeds
The 2026 Mérida Open Akron field is led by world No. 5 Jessica Pegula, the highest-ranked player in the draw and a proven force on hard courts. On paper, she brings the strongest résumé into the week, though the physical demands of the tour and quick turnaround factors always add an element of unpredictability in February events.
Behind her, the seeded pack is competitive rather than top-heavy, opening the door for a potential surprise run. With conditions rewarding aggressive baseline play and physical resilience, consistency may matter as much as ranking pedigree.
| Seed | Player | Current Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jessica Pegula | 5 |
| 2 | Iva Jovic | 20 |
| 3 | Wang Xinyu | 33 |
| 4 | Peyton Stearns | 58 |
| 5 | Varvara Gracheva | 60 |
| 6 | Anna Bondar | 65 |
| 7 | Caty McNally | 68 |
| 8 | Petra Marcinko | 69 |
Players to Watch
Emma Navarro ★★★★☆
Defending champion Emma Navarro returns to Mérida with proven credentials at this venue. Recent form has been uneven, but her comfort in the heat and ability to control baseline exchanges give her a high ceiling here. If confidence builds early, she has the profile to mount another deep run.
Jasmine Paolini ★★★☆☆
Top seed Jasmine Paolini has not produced her sharpest tennis in recent weeks, yet her aggressive movement and counterpunching qualities translate well to these courts. A strong opening match could quickly shift momentum in her favour.
Ann Li ★★☆☆☆
Former runner-up Ann Li knows what it takes to succeed in Mérida. While inconsistency has limited her this season, a manageable draw and prior success in these conditions make her a realistic candidate to reach the latter stages.
How to Watch WTA Merida 2026 Live (Free)
No cable? No problem. All you need is a betting account and a screen. WTA Merida is streamed live in HD by top bookmakers — no extra subscription needed.
WTA Merida Live Streams
- Time
- Sport
- Event
- Live
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2026/02/23
09:30:00
PM Tennis Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva vs Yulia Putintseva
WTA Merida
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2026/02/24
12:00:00
AM Tennis Katie Boulter vs Beatriz Haddad Maia
WTA Merida
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2026/02/24
01:30:00
AM Tennis Emiliana Arango vs Anastasia Potapova
WTA Merida
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Verdict
With proven success in Mérida’s demanding conditions, Emma Navarro stands out as the most reliable outright option and deserves favourite status.
Jasmine Paolini remains the main alternative if she finds early rhythm, given how well her style fits the surface. For those seeking value, former runner-up Ann Li appeals as a plausible dark horse to make the semifinals or beyond.
Emma Navarro
Tournament Winner
@420.00 - 3 Units
25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC
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Jasmine Paolini
Tournament Winner
@295.00 - 2 Units
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.
Ann Li
Tournament Winner
@650.00 - 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.
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