ASB Classic 2026: Women's singles draw analysis and prediction ft. potential Emma Navarro-Alexandra Eala SF, Iva Jovic-Elina Svitolina SF

The ASB Classic is back with another exciting edition on tour. The tournament is a part of the WTA 250 series this year.

Elina Svitolina and Emma Navarro are the top-two seeds in Auckland. Svitolina was one win away from winning this event in 2024, but Coco Gauff stood in her way in the final.

Meanwhile, Iva Jovic and Alexandra Eala are also among the top-five seeds in the ASB Classic. Jovic stunned the women's locker room by winning the title in Guadalajara and will be one to watch out for this week.

Without further ado, let's analyze the main draw, upcoming matches, and predictions for the ASB Classic this year:

First Quarter: Elina Svitolina handed a favorable draw alongside Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal

Svitolina is the top seed at the ASB Classic 2026 - Source: Getty

Elina Svitolina has a solid record on hard courts. She is most likely to enter the quarterfinals by defeating Varvara Gracheva and Katie Boulter in the initial few rounds.

The top seed will then battle it out against Ella Seidel and Iva Jovic en route to the final. Her experience could come in handy this week, and a potential match against Emma Navarro could decide the title.

Sonay Kartal is also a part of the first quarter at the ASB Classic. She reached the quarterfinals of the China Open in October and could provide competition to her peers in Auckland.

Predicted Quarterfinal: Elina Svitolina vs Sonay Kartal

Dark Horse: Ella Seidel

Second Quarter: Americans Peyton Stearns and Iva Jovic to fight for a place in the semifinal

Stearns among the top 10 seeds at the ASB Classic 2026 - Source: Getty

Peyton Stearns and Iva Jovic will lead the line in the second quarter of the ASB Classic. Stearns reached the semifinals of the Italian Open last year, but struggled to maintain consistency on the main tour.

Apart from the seeded players, three qualifiers will also enter the second quarter. If the top guns fail to fire, we could witness a surprise entry in the quarterfinals.

Stearns and Jovic are among the favorites to reach the last eight and face competition from the likes of Panna Udvardy and Sara Bejlek. Considering their results in the last few months, each player has a fair shot at entering the quarterfinals.

Predicted Quarterfinal: Iva Jovic vs Sara Bejlek

Dark Horse: Sara Bejlek

Third Quarter: Venus Williams makes a surprise return to the ASB Classic 2026

Venus Williams adds to the star power at the ASB Classic 2026 - Source: Getty

Tennis legend Venus Williams returns to the ASB Classic this year. She reached the quarterfinals of the women's doubles event in New York and will be eager to impress again in Auckland.

Polish star Magda Linette and Alexandra Eala are among the top two seeds from the third quarter. Linette should be able to outsmart Venus Williams and Alycia Parks, while Eala is the favorite to edge past Donna Vekic and Camila Osorio.

Considering their results in the last few months, Eala has a great chance to make a deep run this year. However, the 20-year-old will need to defeat the top two seeds if she wishes to win the title

Predicted Quarterfinal: Alexandra Eala vs Magda Linette

Dark Horse: Venus Williams

Fourth Quarter: Emma Navarro leads the line alongside out-of-form Sloane Stephens and Caty McNally

Emma Navarro will be eager to begin well at the ASB Classic 2026 - Source: Getty

Emma Navarro has captured two hard-court titles in the last two years. She first made her mark at the 2024 Hobart International and then claimed the honors at the 2025 Merida Open in Mexico.

The American will be expected to ease past Francesca Jones and Julia Grabher in the initial few rounds. She then faces a sticky customer in Xinyu Wang in the quarterfinals.

If Navarro manages to begin on a clinical note, Alexandra Eala could be her most likely oppoent in the semifinal. Both players are known for their resilience and are yet to face each other on the main tour.

Predicted Quarterfinal: Emma Navarro vs Xinyu Wang

Dark Horse: Renta Zarazua

ASB Classic 2026: Predictions

Wang at the 2024 Women's ASB Classic - Day 5 - Source: Getty

Potential Semifinal One: Elina Svitolina vs Iva Jovic

Potential Semifinal Two: Alexandra Eala vs Emma Navarro

Potential Final: Elina Svitolina vs Emma Navarro

Potential Winner: Elina Svitolina

Edited by Aman Mohamed