100% US combat

Mandlik is having a solid start to the 2026 season. Notably, she earned a wild card for the Australian Open by dominating the USTA challenge at the end of 2025. In Austin, she came through the qualifiers by beating Jennifer Brady (6-3, 4-6, 6-4) and Linda Fruhvirtová (6-3, 6-1), which proves she has already found her bearings on this court.

Daughter of legend Hana Mandlíková, who won 4 Grand Slams, Elli has an aggressive baseline game with a powerful forehand and a contagious smile that makes her a crowd favorite.

Former world No. 1 junior, Whitney Osuigwe took some time to find her footing on the pro tour but has been coming back strong since 2025. Like Mandlik, she came through the qualifiers in Austin after convincing wins over C.A. Herea (6-2, 6-1) and Yuan Yue (6-3, 6-4), showing an impressive level of play this week. However, I suspect Yuan Yue skipped this 250 mentally in order to focus more on Indian Wells, playing with a bland, seemingly unmotivated game. Trained at the IMG Academy since she was 6, she is a very athletic player with excellent court coverage and a solid two-handed backhand.