2026 ATX Open
February 21 – March 1 UTC-6
The 2026 ATX Open returns to the heart of Texas for its fourth edition, continuing its tradition as a premier destination for world-class women’s professional tennis. As a WTA 250 event on the 2026 WTA Tour, the tournament offers a unique, intimate atmosphere at The Westwood Country Club in Austin.
From February 23 through March 1, 2026, fans will witness high-intensity hard-court action as top players and rising stars compete for a prestigious title and critical early-season ranking points.
Tournament Overview: Date and Venue
Since its inception, the ATX Open has become a staple of the American tennis spring, celebrated for its “boutique” feel and enthusiastic local support.
- Dates: February 23 – March 1, 2026
- Venue: The Westwood Country Club, Austin, Texas, USA
- Surface: Outdoor Hard
- Classification: WTA 250
- WTA Supervisor: Madison Shoemaker
The Westwood Country Club provides an exceptional backdrop, offering a private-club feel that brings spectators closer to the action than almost any other stop on the tour. The tournament’s placement in late February allows it to serve as a key preparation event for the upcoming “Sunshine Double” in the United States.
Prize Money and Ranking Points
The 2026 ATX Open provides a significant platform for players to climb the rankings. With a 250-point reward for the champion, the tournament is a vital opportunity for both established veterans and the tour’s brightest prospects to solidify their standing.
Singles Prize Money & Points
| Round | Prize Money | WTA Points |
| Winner | $37,390 | 250 |
| Finalist | $22,125 | 163 |
| Semifinalist | $12,331 | 98 |
| Quarterfinalist | $7,025 | 54 |
| Round of 16 | $4,285 | 30 |
| Round of 32 | $3,065 | 1 |
Doubles Prize Money & Points (Per Team)
| Round | Prize Money | WTA Points |
| Winner | $13,600 | 250 |
| Finalist | $7,650 | 163 |
| Semifinalist | $4,390 | 98 |
| Quarterfinalist | $2,620 | 54 |
| Round of 16 | $2,020 | 1 |
The Player Field: Seeds and Shakeups
The 2026 field features a strong American presence alongside international talent. However, the tournament landscape shifted significantly just before the start of play due to high-profile withdrawals.
Singles Top Seeds
- Jessica Pegula (Rank: 5): The world No. 5 entered as the clear favorite but unfortunately had to withdraw.
- Iva Jovic (Rank: 20): The teenage phenom and top-20 star now carries the mantle as one of the highest-ranked players in the draw.
- Wang Xinyu (Rank: 33): The versatile Chinese star brings a powerful baseline game to the Austin courts.
- Peyton Stearns (Rank: 58): A former University of Texas standout, Stearns is the definitive “hometown hero” and always draws massive crowds in Austin.
- Varvara Gracheva (Rank: 60): A consistent performer on hard courts (Withdrawn).
- Anna Bondar (Rank: 65): The Hungarian veteran known for her tactical variety.
- Caty McNally (Rank: 68): A multi-talented player excelling in both singles and doubles.
- Petra Marcinko (Rank: 69): A former junior world No. 1 looking to make her mark on the senior tour.
Key Withdrawals and Alternates
The draw was impacted by the late withdrawal of top seed Jessica Pegula due to a left knee injury, and Varvara Gracheva due to a neck injury. Their absences have opened the door for Lucky Losers and Alternates, including Yuan Yue and Linda Fruhvirtova, both of whom are dangerous players capable of a deep run.
Doubles Competition
The doubles draw in Austin is particularly prestigious this year, featuring several teams with top-tier Grand Slam experience.
Top Seeded Teams:
- Storm Hunter / Taylor Townsend: A powerhouse duo with a combined ranking of 29. They are the heavy favorites to take the title.
- Shuko Aoyama / Ena Shibahara: The Japanese pair is famous for their lightning-fast reflexes and seamless chemistry.
- Eudice Chong / Liang En-Shuo: An exciting Asian pairing with a knack for upsetting higher-seeded teams.
- Kimberly Birrell / Caty McNally: A creative team featuring the crafty McNally, who will be pulling double duty this week.
Provisional Schedule
The ATX Open is designed to maximize the “Austin experience,” often featuring night sessions that coincide with the city’s famous evening energy.
- Monday – Tuesday (Feb 23-24): Main Draw Singles Round 1 and Doubles Round 1.
- Wednesday – Thursday (Feb 25-26): Round of 16 Singles; Quarterfinals Doubles.
- Friday (Feb 27): Singles Quarterfinals – A day traditionally packed with high-stakes matches.
- Saturday (Feb 28): Singles Semifinals and Doubles Semifinals.
- Sunday (March 1): The Championship Sunday – Singles Final followed by the Doubles Final and trophy presentations.
Key Narratives to Watch
The Stearns Homecoming
Few players have a connection to a city quite like Peyton Stearns has with Austin. As a former National Champion at the University of Texas, every one of her matches is expected to be a “standing room only” event. Her familiarity with the local climate and courts gives her a distinct home-court advantage.
The Rise of Iva Jovic
At just 18 years old and ranked 20th in the world, Iva Jovic is the future of American tennis. With Pegula out of the draw, Jovic has a golden opportunity to claim her first major title of the 2026 season and prove she belongs in the top tier of the WTA.
Fast Hard-Court Tactics
The courts at Westwood tend to play relatively fast, rewarding aggressive serves and proactive net play. Expect players like Caty McNally and the team of Hunter/Townsend to use their all-court skills to dominate the rhythm of the matches.
Conclusion
Despite the loss of some top seeds, the 2026 ATX Open remains a must-watch event. The combination of Texas hospitality, a passionate fan base, and a draw filled with hungry young talent ensures that the fourth edition will be the most unpredictable yet.
Would you like me to draft a localized “Fan Guide to the ATX Open” or perhaps a comparison of the top American players’ recent forms heading into this tournament?