Miami Open 2026: Venus Williams headlines wildcards as tournament confirms final entries

The Miami Open unveiled its wildcard selections for the 2026 tournament Thursday (12 March), adding a mix of tennis' former champions and up-and-comers to an already star-studded field in Florida.

Play begins on Sunday (15 March) at Hard Rock Stadium, home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.

Four-time Olympic gold medallist Venus Williams headlines the wild card entries. The seven-time Grand Slam champion made her debut 29 years ago at the 1997 edition. Williams went on to win the tournament three times, in 1998, 1999 and 2001, and was runner-up to sister Serena in 2022.

Compatriot and fellow former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens also received a wildcard. The other women’s players were: Taylor Townsend, USA; Ashlyn Krueger, USA; Jennifer Brady, USA; Lilli Tagger (AUT); Emerson Jones (AUS); and Darja Vidmanová (CZE).

On the men’s side, Americans Martin Damm and Darwin Blanch will be joined by France’s Moïse Kouamé, the People’s Republic of China’s Wu Yibing, and Japan’s Rei Sakamoto.

Main draw action starts on Tuesday (17 March) with the women’s final set for Saturday (28 March). The tournament is set to wrap on Sunday (29 March) for the men’s championship.

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