The Kazakh was a part of the start-studded lineup which played in the first women’s tournament at Queens since 1974. She would exit early, going down in straight sets against Tatjana Maria who was a surprising victor.
Her grass swing last year was not up to the standards expected. A quarter-final in Berlin was followed by a hugely disappointing third round exit at SW19. She is a better player now compared to then having since gone on to win the WTA Finals and Australian Open titles.
Rybakina adds her name to stacked entry list
The Kazakh is now the top seed and arguably the favourite for the title. American duo Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova return as some of the big names. Anisimova reached the final last year before going on to make a name for herself with a run to the final at Wimbledon.
Victoria Mboko is the other top 10 inclusion. Belinda Bencic and the formidable Marta Kostyuk will have their eyes set on the title with Iva Jovic, Sorana Cirstea, Leylah Fernandez and Diana Shnaider all challengers.
The British contingent is led by Emma Raducanu whose time on court has been limited in recent weeks.
Entry list WTA Queen’s 2026
| Rank | Player | Country |
| 2 | Elena Rybakina | KAZ |
| 5 | Jessica Pegula | USA |
| 6 | Amanda Anisimova | USA |
| 9 | Victoria Mboko | CAN |
| 11 | Belinda Bencic | SUI |
| 15 | Marta Kostyuk | UKR |
| 17 | Iva Jovic | USA |
| 18 | Sorana Cîrstea | ROU |
| 22 | Leylah Fernandez | CAN |
| 23 | Diana Shnaider | RUS |
| 24 | Anna Kalinskaya | RUS |
| 27 | Liudmila Samsonova | RUS |
| 28 | Marie Bouzková | CZE |
| 29 | Ann Li | USA |
| 32 | Jaqueline Cristian | ROU |
| 39 | Emma Raducanu | GBR |