WTA 500 Linz Draw Revealed: Top Seed Andreeva and Defending Champion Alexandrova Set Paths, Intriguing First-Round Matchups The WTA 500 Linz tournament draw was officially released on April 5, 2026, revealing a compelling setup for the event. Top seed and reigning champion Maria Andreeva, who claimed the title in 2025, will face a challenging path, while defending champion Elena Alexandrova will encounter notable first-round matchups. The draw includes several high-profile encounters, with the tournament’s first round set to begin on April 6, 2026. Among the standout first-round matches is the clash between Andreeva and rising star Sofia Kenin, who will face off in a rematch of their 2025 final. Kenin, who reached the semifinals in 2025, will be looking to capitalize on her experience against the top seed. Meanwhile, Alexandrova, the 2025 champion, will open her campaign against unseeded player Yulia Putintseva, a former WTA 1000 finalist. The draw also features intriguing matchups for other top players, including a potential clash between world No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 10 Jessica Pegula in the second round. The tournament’s first-round schedule includes matches such as the encounter between No. 11 Karolína Muchova and No. 22 Elise Mertens, as well as a showdown between No. 24 Coco Gauff and No. 30 Marie Bouzková. The draw also highlights the presence of several French players, including No. 12 Pauline Parmentier and No. 28 Alizé Cornet, who will face off in the third round. The Linz tournament, held in Austria, is known for its competitive field and high stakes. The draw was released in advance of the tournament, allowing players to strategize their paths. The event will take place from April 6 to April 11, 2026, with the final scheduled for April 11.#yulia_putintseva #wta_500_linz #maria_andreeva #elena_alexandrova #sofia_kenin
