Martina Trevisan picks the player she thinks could challenge Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek in 2026

Martina Trevisan backs Elena Rybakina as a 2026 title contender

Martina Trevisan, who reached the French Open semi-finals in 2022, spoke to CLAY and RG Media, saying: “Except probably Aryna or right now Iga. I would add [Elena] Rybakina…”

“They have something extra—height, serve, physicality. But overall the level on the rest of the players on the WTA Tour is higher than four or five years ago. There are no easy matches.”

Trevisan added: “Aryna and Iga have something different and they show it in the tournaments, but the general level is very high. Every match is difficult.

“I think Jasmine [Paolini] said something similar: the bar is higher now than ten years ago. Even players ranked 120 are playing well. You always have to show your best tennis to win.”

The Italian has picked out Elena Rybakina as someone who could break through next year despite her time away from the game due to foot surgery.

Rybakina finished off her season by beating Sabalenka at the WTA Finals and closed out 2025 ranked fifth in the world.

The former Wimbledon winner has also posted an injury update after that victory over Sabalenka at season’s end.

Martina Trevisan backs Jasmine Paolini to challenge Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek in 2025

Even though Trevisan has pointed to Rybakina as the main rival for Sabalenka and Swiatek heading into next year, she hasn’t ruled out others stepping up.

Italian tennis is in a good spot right now on both the ATP and WTA circuits, and Trevisan was asked if she thinks her fellow Italian Jasmine Paolini can claim a Grand Slam title.

Paolini made it to two Grand Slam finals last season, and Trevisan believes she’s still got a shot at finally breaking through.

“Of course. She was very close last year,” said Trevisan. “I wish for her to win a Slam, but it’s not easy. On hard courts, when someone serves well, it’s hard to break. I hope she goes as close as last year, but you can’t just say, ‘you’re going to win a Slam’.”

This season has seen four different women claim Grand Slam titles. Madison Keys took the Australian Open crown while Gauff triumphed at Roland Garros.