Draw for the WTA 500 in Stuttgart: Sabalenka and Swiatek begin their clay season, Andreeva-Kostyuk matchup from the start

The draw for the WTA 500 in Stuttgart took place this Sunday. The German tournament, now in its 47th edition, will be marked by the absence of the defending champion Elena Rybakina, who chose to participate in the Billie Jean King Cup weekend with Kazakhstan.

For many players on the circuit, this event will mark the start of the clay season in Europe. Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, will begin against Anastasia Potapova or Clara Tauson, who defeated her in February in Dubai. At the bottom of the draw, Iga Swiatek will face either Donna Vekic or Jana Fett.

Several interesting matchups will be followed in the first round: Mirra Andreeva will face Marta Kostyuk, Jasmine Paolini will play against Eva Lys, Emma Navarro will start against Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Jelena Ostapenko will challenge Dayana Yastremska.