Five things to watch out for at the 2026 Lexus Eastbourne Open
• 4 minute read
The Lexus Eastbourne Open is right around the corner as the world’s best players gear up for the final grass court event before Wimbledon.
From former champions to the next generation – here are five things to keep an eye on at Eastbourne this year.
Paolini’s return to the British grass
The Lexus Eastbourne Open will mark Jasmine Paolini’s first tournament of the British grass court season as the former Wimbledon runner-up looks to make a statement on the south coast.
While a lot has been made of the success in Italian men’s tennis of late, it’s safe to say the women’s game has also been incredibly strong – spearheaded by Paolini.
The 30-year-old has been to two Grand Slam finals in 2024, helped her country win the Billie Jean King Cup in back-to-back seasons, and claimed the women’s doubles gold medal at Paris 2024.
Paolini has good pedigree on the grass in recent years as well. Not only did she reach the Wimbledon final two years ago, but she’s also reached the semi-finals of Eastbourne and Bad Homburg.
While her form has been fairly mixed this season, the world No.14 will be hoping to find a high level in Eastbourne ahead of The Championships.
The competition will be strong, with the likes of Grand Slam champions Madison Keys, Jelena Ostapenko and Barbora Krejcikova – who defeated in the 2024 Wimbledon final – but Paolini is sure to be a fans favourite this summer.
Fritz’s quest for further history
American Taylor Fritz has already cemented his place in the history books at Devonshire Park.
The former world No.4 is a four-time champion in Eastbourne (2019, 2022, 2024 and 2025) – making him the most successful men’s player in tournament history.
Last year, after defeating Jenson Brooksby in the final and extending his unbeaten run to eight matches, the American said: “There’s just something about Eastbourne. I love it here.”
The title-run also sparked an impressive Wimbledon campaign, where he reached the semi-finals for the first time.
2026 could be Fritz’s toughest challenge yet on the south coast, as he aims to continue his return from injury whilst also pursuing what would be an historic three-peat.
Fonseca and Jodar bring the next generation
Coming out of Roland Garros and the clay court swing – Joao Fonseca and Rafael Jodar have firmly taken the mantle of being two of the brightest young stars in the world.
Both Fonseca and Jodar reached the quarter-finals of this year’s French Open and have broken into the world’s top-25.
The Brazilian and Spaniard are just two of the names looking to take Fritz’s crown of men’s singles champion, but both are still fairly inexperienced on the grass.
Fonseca lost to Fritz in the second round of Eastbourne last year, and for Jodar, this is only the first grass court season campaign of his career.
While their game on the grass is still an unknown, one thing is for sure – both Fonseca and Jodar have the games to be future champions in this sport and it’s going to be exciting to watch them in Eastbourne.
Past champions eye a title-winning return
Outside of Fritz, there are several past champions who will be aiming to recapture their title-winning form at the Lexus Eastbourne Open.
Starting with 2014 and 2023 champion Keys, who will be one of the highest-ranked players in this year’s women’s singles draw, alongside 2021 winner Ostapenko.
Another two-time winner and former world No.1 Karolina Pliskova is also in the line-up for this season, as well as the reigning champion Maya Joint.
On the men’s side, Francisco Cerundolo has one Eastbourne title to his name as well.
Past experience of playing and winning is arguably more important at Eastbourne than any other tournament. The conditions are unlike any other event in the calendar.
As well as the unpredictability of playing grass court tennis – especially for those not used to the surface – the players have to contend with the coastal weather, particularly the blustery winds.
Could that knowledge and past success help these players reach deep runs this year?
Draper makes his grass court return
Jack Draper will make his return to the ATP Tour at this year's Lexus Eastbourne Open.
The former world No.4 has been out with injury since retiring at the Barcelona Open two months ago and is yet to kick-start his grass court season.
Now working with new coach Andy Murray, fans will be excited to see the British star back on the grass.
Draper reached the semi-finals at Eastbourne back in 2022 and also made the final four at Queen's last year.
He will be hoping to get a few matches under his belt ahead of Wimbledon and build momentum for the rest of the season.
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