2026 ASB Classic WTA 250: Prize Money and Preview
Date: January 5-11, 2026 Tournament: ASB Classic (WTA 250) Location: Auckland, New Zealand
The 2026 tennis season has officially kicked off in Auckland, New Zealand, with the ASB Classic. A long-standing favorite among players for its enthusiastic crowds and summer atmosphere, this WTA 250 event returns to the hard courts of the ASB Tennis Arena from January 5–11, 2026.
While the prestige of lifting the trophy is a major draw, the financial rewards and ranking points are crucial for players looking to start the year strong ahead of the Australian Open. This year, the tournament boasts a total financial commitment of $283,347.
Below is the complete breakdown of the prize money and ranking points on offer, followed by a recap of the tumultuous first round that has already seen major seeds exit the draw.
Prize Money and Points Distribution
For a WTA 250 event, the points distribution is vital for players aiming to climb the rankings early in the season. The champion in Auckland will take home $37,390 and the full 250 ranking points.
Even a first-round appearance guarantees a paycheck, though the points drop-off is steep. Here is the full breakdown of the rewards for each stage of the singles main draw:
| Round | Prize Money (USD) | WTA Ranking Points |
| Winner | $37,390 | 250 |
| Finalist | $22,125 | 163 |
| Semifinalist | $12,331 | 98 |
| Quarterfinalist | $7,025 | 54 |
| Round of 16 | $4,285 | 30 |
| Round of 32 | $3,065 | 1 |
The Field: Seeds and Contenders
The draw features a mix of established veterans and rising stars. Elina Svitolina headlines the field as the No. 1 seed, ranked world No. 14 coming into the week. She is joined by top American talent and international standouts.
The Top 8 Seeds:
- Elina Svitolina (UKR)
- Emma Navarro (USA)
- Iva Jovic (USA)
- Alexandra Eala (PHI)
- Magda Linette (POL)
- Janice Tjen (INA)
- Xinyu Wang (CHN)
- Peyton Stearns (USA)
Blockbuster Opening Matches
The first round has thrown up several high-profile clashes that could easily pass for late-stage encounters. The most anticipated match of the opening round sees tennis legend and Wild Card entrant Venus Williams taking on the No. 5 seed Magda Linette. It is a brutal draw for both, pitting Williams’ power and experience against Linette’s consistency.
Another Wild Card to watch is former US Open champion Sloane Stephens, who faces a tricky opener against Mexico’s Renata Zarazua. Meanwhile, British No. 1 Katie Boulter (WC) has been drawn against qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva, giving the local crowds plenty of star power to support early in the week.
Youth on Display
The tournament also highlights the tour’s rising youth. No. 3 seed Iva Jovic opens against Gabriela Knutson , while Alexandra Eala faces a stern test against the heavy-hitting Donna Vekic. With such a deep field, the path to the $37,390 winner’s cheque will require navigating a gauntlet of tough opponents from Day 1.
