Jasmine Paolini leads the women’s entry list for the Lexus Eastbourne Open, while Taylor Fritz tops the men’s field as the grass-court tournament returns to Devonshire Park next month with a mix of Grand Slam winners, former champions, and new faces.
The buzz around Devonshire Park starts before a ball is even struck. Next month’s Lexus Eastbourne Open has already delivered its headline act: former Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini will be the top name in the women’s draw. while Taylor Fritz leads a men’s entry list packed with grass-court proof and big-name momentum.
Paolini, ranked World No.13, will arrive with credentials that don’t fit neatly into “warm-up tournament” language. She has been ranked as high as four in the world. reached the semi-finals at Eastbourne in 2024 where she lost to eventual champion Daria Kasatkina. and then went on to reach her second Grand Slam final at Wimbledon a fortnight later. A three-time WTA singles title winner. including two WTA 1000 titles in Dubai and Rome. the former Wimbledon finalist will be hoping Devonshire Park gives her that grass-court breakthrough this June.
The women’s field also includes three Grand Slam singles champions as players line up their final preparations for Wimbledon on the grass. Madison Keys — a two-time champion in Eastbourne — Barbora Krejcikova, and 2021 Lexus Eastbourne Open champion Jelena Ostapenko are all set to feature.
Former winners are returning, too, looking to put an old trophy back in their hands. Daria Kasatkina is back after winning in 2024. Karolina Pliskova returns as a former world No.1 and two-time champion. and 2025 champion Maya Joint is also on the south coast. There’s local energy waiting for Sonay Kartal as well. The home favourite is set to return to action following an injury break. with hopes pinned on the backing of Eastbourne fans for a deep run.
On the men’s side, Fritz’s presence sets the tone. The four-time champion at Devonshire Park is coming back after claiming his fourth title there last summer. and he made it clear he feels at home in Eastbourne after that success — “there’s something about Eastbourne”. This time, he returns looking to extend his eight-match unbeaten streak and add a fifth title at Devonshire Park.
Fritz is also second among active players for the most titles won on grass, behind only Novak Djokovic. His four Eastbourne trophies are complemented by the last summer’s Boss Open title in Stuttgart.
Alongside Fritz, the tournament is also set to bring in rising challengers. Nineteen-year-old Joao Fonseca — already a two-time ATP Tour champion and former ATP Next Gen winner — is listed for the men’s draw, while 2026 breakout star Rafael Jodar will also be in the mix.
Last year’s runner-up Jenson Brooksby will be looking to go one step further. and Francisco Cerundolo — the 2023 champion — returns looking to regain his crown. Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot is next in line on the entry list as the second highest ranked player. and he’ll be chasing a first ATP Tour title since his “fairytale run” to the Shanghai Masters title in October. That run ended with him winning the crown after coming through qualifying and defeating his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in the final — and Rinderknech is also on Eastbourne’s entry list.
Tournament Director Rebecca James says the event is already shaping into something more than just a season stop. “We can’t wait to welcome fans back to Devonshire Park for what’s set to be another spectacular tournament. There are so many brilliant storylines waiting to unfold: will Fritz extend his record-breaking run?. Will local favourite Sonay Kartal cause a stir?. Whatever happens, spectators are in for world-class action once again at the Lexus Eastbourne Open.”.
Tickets are still available for next month’s Lexus Eastbourne Open. Centre Court tickets start from £50 for adults and £32 for children. Grounds admission tickets are £12 for adults, with kids admitted for free.
After the finals on Sunday 28 June. the Community Day at the Lexus Eastbourne Open invites people to come and play on the famous grass courts and take part in tennis sessions. Open to everyone, it is designed for families, beginners, and players of all ages and abilities. Tickets can be purchased via tickets.lta.org.uk.
Lexus Eastbourne Open 2026 Jasmine Paolini Taylor Fritz Devonshire Park Sonay Kartal Madison Keys Jelena Ostapenko Daria Kasatkina Karolina Pliskova Maya Joint Joao Fonseca Rafael Jodar Valentin Vacherot Jenson Brooksby Francisco Cerundolo Arthur Rinderknech Novak Djokovic
Grass court tennis in England again? Doesn’t that just mean it’s slower? lol
Paolini being ranked 13 is kinda surprising to me like I thought she was higher. Also how is Eastbourne already “buzzing” if nobody plays yet? Sounds like marketing.
Wait so Fritz is topping the men’s list, but is he even good on grass or is this just because Wimbledon is coming up? I remember a different Fritz being injured or something, so I’m confused. Either way I guess Devonshire Park is gonna be packed.
I swear Eastbourne is where players go to warm up and then somehow win Wimbledon, like a conveyor belt. Paolini lost to Kasatkina last time but then went to a Grand Slam final after that?? That seems backwards, like usually you lose and then drop off. Also Sonay Kartal coming back from injury, hope she doesn’t get rushed and mess it up.