Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka are among the spicy storylines in Stuttgart

The 2024 WTA Porsche Grand Prix in Stuttgart is upon us. This is an annual WTA 500 indoor clay court event where the winner gets a brand-new Porsche as the grand prize. Players love to compete here evidenced by three-peat Maria Sharapova's recent comments and memories of her experiences as the 2012-2014 champion.

The Stuttgart storylines are many and interesting this year. Iga Swiatek is the two-time defending champion, and Aryna Sabalenka is the two-time finalist. The biggest question is whether Swiatek can make it a three-peat, or will Sabalenka (or someone else) break her winning streak?

Sabalenka is the 2024 Australian Open champion, but that is her only title win of the year. She is 14-4 on the season. One of her losses was in the Round of 16 at Indian Wells to American Emma Navarro. Sabalenka's off-the-court issues distracted her in Miami, but she appears to be doing better and was shown enjoying her time in Stuttgart with Ons Jabeur and BFF Paula Badosa who is in the draw because Navarro and Jessica Pegula pulled out due to scheduling issues.

A loaded draw is another big headline at Stuttgart

Stuttgart is boasting a star-studded draw of current and former Grand Slam champions. In addition to Swiatek and Sabalenka, Coco Gauff and Marketa Vondrousova are playing. Barbora Krejcikova, Elena Rybakina, Jelena Ostapenko, two-time Stuttgart champion and home favorite Angelique Kerber, and Emma Raducanu are among the 32-player singles draw. Kerber and Raducanu were granted wildcards to participate.

A noteworthy first-round match is set between the wildcard Grand Slam champions Kerber and Raducanu; Raducanu had a great week of tennis at the Billie Jean King qualifying matches helping Great Britain defeat France. She is often a fan-favorite but may not have the support in Stuttgart amid Kerber's comeback.

There is a 16-team doubles draw in this event. Krejcikova will play doubles with Laura Siegemund, and Jabeur will team up with Badosa to get more match time in Stuttgart. The Wilson Roland Garros ball will be used at the tournament giving players European red clay and the French Open ball to work with in preparation for the French Open beginning on May 20.

Play begins on April 15 and concludes on April 21. The Tennis Channel will air live action throughout the entire tournament.

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