MIAMI GARDENS, FL – Tennis fans will have the opportunity to see both a legendary veteran and a rising star compete at the 2026 Miami Open. Venus Williams, a three-time champion, and 18-year-classic Lilli Tagger are among the players awarded wildcards into the WTA 1000 tournament, which begins Sunday, March 15th at Hard Rock Stadium.
For Williams, this marks her 23rd appearance at the Miami Open, a testament to her remarkable longevity in the sport. The 45-year-old American first played the tournament in 1997 and secured back-to-back titles in 1998 and 1999, adding another championship in 2001. While she hasn’t lifted the trophy since, her presence continues to draw significant attention to the event. She last competed in Miami two years prior, falling to Diana Shnaider in the first round. This wildcard represents a continued return to the WTA Tour for Williams, who first came back to competition last season in Washington, D.C.
Tagger’s inclusion in the main draw is a significant boost for the young Austrian player. The 18-year-old recently impressed with a first-round win at a WTA 1000 event in Indian Wells, demonstrating her potential on the larger stage. This wildcard provides her with a valuable opportunity to test her skills against some of the world’s top players. She won the 2025 Roland Garros junior title and reached her first WTA final late last season.
The Miami Open has a history of providing opportunities to emerging talent, and this year is no exception. Alongside Tagger, other young players receiving wildcards include 21-year-old Ashlyn Krueger, recent Austin finalist Taylor Townsend, former Australian Open finalist Jennifer Brady, 2025 NCAA singles champion Darja Vidmanova, and former junior No. 1 Emerson Jones. Krueger notably upset Elena Rybakina at last year’s Miami Open, marking the first Top 10 win of her career.
Sloane Stephens, the 2018 Miami Open champion, also received a wildcard. The former US Open champion will look to recapture her winning form at the tournament where she previously triumphed.
The tournament isn’t just about the women’s draw. Men’s main draw wildcards have been awarded to Martin Damm, Darwin Blanch, Moise Kouame, Wu Yibing and Rei Sakamoto, adding further depth to the competition.
Williams, despite her age, remains a compelling figure in the sport. She will be competing in her 111th WTA 1000-level event, placing her fifth all-time in tournament appearances at this level. While she is yet to secure a win on the WTA Tour in 2026, her experience and competitive spirit are undeniable.
The Miami Open, presented by Itaú, is a key event on the tennis calendar, bridging the gap between the Australian Open and the European clay court season. The tournament consistently attracts a star-studded field and provides a thrilling spectacle for fans. The event runs from March 15-29 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Fans can expect a dynamic tournament with a mix of established stars and rising talents vying for the title. The presence of Venus Williams adds a layer of nostalgia and excitement, while players like Lilli Tagger represent the future of the sport.
The next confirmed action will be the start of the Miami Open on March 15th. For the latest updates, schedules, and ticket information, visit the official Miami Open website: https://www.miamiopen.com/
What are your thoughts on these wildcard selections? Share your predictions for the tournament in the comments below!
