The WTA Tour is as thrilling as it is demanding — and 2026 could belong to Elena Rybakina. But the story behind the headlines runs deeper, touching on mental health, comeback stories, and the relentless nature of elite tennis.
Gigi Salmon offers a revealing look at women’s tennis this season, exploring how top players juggle the physically punishing and mentally draining schedule of the WTA Tour. Her latest Sky Sports column dives into why Elena Rybakina might dominate 2026 while also reflecting on Joe Salisbury’s courageous decision to step away from the sport to focus on his mental health.
A year of unpredictable champions
If the men’s circuit has been somewhat predictable, the women’s scene was anything but. Each of the four Grand Slams crowned a different champion. Aryna Sabalenka finished as the year-end world No. 1, and Rybakina emerged victorious at the WTA Tour Finals — undefeated and unstoppable.
Amanda Anisimova’s meteoric rise from world No. 36 to No. 4 reminded fans just how rapidly fortunes can shift. Iga Swiatek, already a six-time Grand Slam winner, remained a powerhouse, and Coco Gauff defied critics with a French Open title and a world No. 3 finish despite ongoing scrutiny of her serve and forehand mechanics. But here’s where it gets really interesting: the biggest theme among elite players wasn’t power or skill — it was finding balance.
Chasing balance in an unrelenting sport
The WTA schedule pushes athletes to their limits, forcing many to take breaks before exhaustion takes over. Sabalenka, for instance, pressed pause at several points during the season to recharge, even joking that she repeatedly turned down tequila offers while vacationing in Mykonos. Her sense of humor aside, her approach shows a growing trend among players choosing health over nonstop competition.
Swiatek also hinted that she’s rethinking her schedule to prioritize longevity. This shift raises an important question: how sustainable is the current pace of professional tennis, especially when so many players finish the season injured or emotionally burned out?
Ons Jabeur’s story added another layer to that conversation. She opened up about two years of physical and mental struggles before taking a break midseason. Her subsequent announcement of pregnancy was warmly celebrated by fans and peers alike. It was a welcome reminder that even at the top tier, athletes are still humans with personal milestones to cherish.
Can Rybakina rule 2026?
Rybakina ended 2025 on fire. Victories in Ningbo and a semifinal run in Tokyo secured her WTA Finals spot, where she went undefeated to claim the title and a payday of just over $5 million. Her powerful game, when fully dialed in, is nearly impossible to counter.
But here’s where it gets controversial: consistency has often eluded her. Health setbacks and off-court turmoil — including her coach Stefano Vukov’s provisional suspension for misconduct — disrupted her rhythm. Though she stood by him and the ban was lifted after appeal, the episode highlighted the complex dynamic between players and coaches on the circuit.
Still, a healthy Rybakina heading into 2026 feels like a storm building on the horizon. In Sky Sports Tennis’ end-of-year predictions, Gigi Salmon, Tim Henman, Laura Robson, and Jonathan Overend couldn’t agree on next year’s Grand Slam winners — which might just prove how open and exciting women’s tennis is right now.
British highlights and bright horizons
The men’s scene also offered hope for British fans. Jack Draper’s progress continues to excite, while Cam Norrie capped off his comeback by jumping from world No. 91 back to No. 27, ensuring a seeded position for the 2026 Australian Open.
Doubles fans have even more reason to celebrate. Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool ended the year as the top-ranked pair globally, marking the first time five British men have sat inside the world’s doubles Top 10.
Joe Salisbury opens up about anxiety
Behind the medals and trophies, another story struck an emotional chord. Former world No. 1 doubles player Joe Salisbury revealed that he’s been struggling with anxiety severe enough to step away from tennis. He spoke candidly about heart palpitations, sleepless nights, appetite loss, and a haunting feeling that something awful might happen. His honesty sheds light on a topic still too seldom discussed in professional sports: mental well-being.
Salisbury plans to take several months off, with a tentative return around April. His openness could inspire others in the tennis world to address mental health without shame or fear of judgment.
British women ready for 2026
Emma Raducanu is preparing for a fresh start in 2026 after sitting out post-season exhibitions to recover from a minor foot bruise. Alongside coach Francisco Roig and new physio Emma Stewart, she joins Jack Draper for the United Cup in Perth under captain Tim Henman. Meanwhile, Sonay Kartal and Fran Jones both broke into the Top 100, and Katie Boulter aims for a full, injury-free season.
Even the off-season doesn’t bring much rest. Exhibition matches and events like the UTS and Next Gen Finals will keep fans entertained, especially with coverage on Sky Sports Tennis.
Looking ahead
The team at Sky Sports Tennis closes another successful year with heartfelt thanks to viewers, promising even better insights and predictions in 2026. Tim Henman, Laura Robson, and others continue sharing their expertise across new formats — even TikTok, where Henman’s humor has become something of a fan favorite.
With new talents emerging, legends defending their dominance, and athletes redefining what resilience means, 2026 promises drama, rivalry, and surprises at every turn.
But what do you think? Will Rybakina truly dominate the next season, or will someone else steal the spotlight? And should the WTA rethink its intense schedule to protect players’ health and longevity? Share your thoughts below — this debate is far from over.
