2026 Hobart International
January 12 – January 17 AEDT
As the Australian Open looms on the horizon, the tennis world turns its eyes to the picturesque Domain Tennis Centre for the Hobart International 2026. Scheduled from January 12–17, this WTA 250 event serves as a critical final tune-up for players seeking momentum before the first Grand Slam of the year.
With a prize money pool of $283,347 and valuable ranking points on the line, the draw features a compelling mix of Grand Slam champions, rising stars, and veteran legends.
The Contenders and Key Storylines
Emma Raducanu Leads the Pack British star and 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu headlines the field as the No. 1 seed. After a stabilizing 2025 season that saw her return to the Top 30, Raducanu arrives in Tasmania looking to cement her form on the hard courts. Her aggressive baseline game will be tested by the windy conditions often found at the Domain.
The Return of a Legend: Venus Williams In a storyline that defies time, 45-year-old Venus Williams returns to professional competition with a Wild Card entry. The seven-time Grand Slam winner, who delayed retirement to compete in the 2026 season, is using Hobart as her launchpad for a historic 22nd Australian Open appearance. Her opening rounds will be must-watch TV as she looks to prove she can still compete with the modern tour’s best.
Indonesian Rising Star: Janice Tjen Fresh off a breakout 2025 season where she captured her maiden WTA title in Chennai and cracked the Top 60, Indonesia’s Janice Tjen is a player to watch. Tjen enters the main draw looking to continue her rapid ascent. Known for her heavy hitting and recent success on hard courts, she poses a dangerous threat to any seeded player in her section.
Other Seeds to Watch The depth of the field is highlighted by other key seeds:
- Iva Jovic (USA), the No. 3 seed, brings youthful energy to the draw.
- Ann Li (USA), seeded No. 4, will look to utilize her speed and counter-punching ability.
- Jessica Bouzas Maneiro (ESP) (No. 5 seed) and Tatjana Maria (GER) (No. 6 seed) add stylistic variety, with Maria’s slice-and-dice game always tricky on quick surfaces.
- Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) is also in the draw, adding major-winning pedigree to the bottom half.
Tournament Details
- Dates: January 12–17, 2026
- Venue: Domain Tennis Centre, Hobart, Australia.
- Surface: Hard (Greenset/Plexicushion).
- Prize Money: $283,347.
Prize Money and Points Distribution (Singles)
- Winner: $37,390 and 250 points
- Finalist: $22,125 and 163 points
- Semi-finalist: $12,331 and 98 points
- Quarter-finalist: $7,025 and 54 points
- Round of 16: $4,285 and 30 points
- Round of 32: $3,065 and 1 point
Weather Outlook
Players and fans should be prepared for potential interruptions. Early forecasts for race week suggest a mix of conditions, with a high chance of rain predicted for Tuesday (Jan 13) through Thursday (Jan 15). The signature Hobart winds—often coming off the Derwent River—may also play a decisive factor, favoring players who can adjust their toss and margins accordingly.
First-Round Popcorn Matches
Based on the draw, fans should look out for:
- Raducanu (1) vs. the field: All eyes will be on her opening performance.
- Venus Williams (WC) vs. Williams’ Opponent: Every match is a celebration of her longevity.
- Janice Tjen: A potential dark horse who could upset the established order.
With the Australian Open just a week away, the Hobart International offers the perfect blend of high-stakes competition and dramatic storylines. Play begins Monday, January 12.