2026 ATX Open Final Results: Stearns Grits Out Victory in Austin

AUSTIN, TEXAS – The fourth edition of the ATX Open concluded this weekend at the Westwood Country Club, providing a thrilling showcase of American talent and hard-court grit. As the WTA 250 circuit swept through the Texas capital from February 23 to March 1, 2026, the local fans were treated to a high-stakes final that saw a new champion rise and a doubles powerhouse solidify their dominance.

Peyton Stearns Claims Second Career Title

In a battle of American styles, Peyton Stearns emerged victorious over Taylor Townsend in a grueling singles final, winning 7–6(10–8), 7–5. The match was defined by its razor-thin margins, particularly in a marathon first-set tiebreak where both players had multiple opportunities to seize the momentum.

Stearns, known for her powerful baseline game, managed to fend off Townsend’s signature serve-and-volley pressure to clinch her second career WTA Tour title. The victory was particularly poignant for the American field, as the reigning champion and top seed, Jessica Pegula, was forced to withdraw before her opening match due to a left-knee injury. Stearns took full advantage of the open draw, showcasing the mental fortitude required to win at the professional level.

“Winning here in Texas feels like a homecoming,” Stearns told the crowd. “Taylor pushed me to my absolute limit in that tiebreak, and I’m just happy I stayed aggressive when it mattered most.”

Townsend and Hunter: The Unstoppable Duo

While Taylor Townsend fell just short in the singles final, she didn’t leave Austin empty-handed. Partnering with Australia’s Storm Hunter, the duo lived up to their top-seed billing by defeating the underdog pairing of Eudice Chong and Liang En-shuo in the doubles final, 6–3, 6–4.

Hunter and Townsend were the class of the field all week, failing to drop a single set throughout the tournament. For Hunter, this victory marked her 10th WTA doubles title, while Townsend celebrated her 12th. The win also signaled a shift in the Austin doubles hierarchy; last year’s champions, Anna Blinkova and Yuan Yue, did not defend their title as a pair. Blinkova, playing with Petra Marčinko, was ousted in the first round by the eventual finalists, Chong and Liang.

Tournament Impact and Rankings

The 2026 ATX Open proved vital for players looking to climb the rankings ahead of the spring season. Stearns leaves Austin with 250 ranking points, while the doubles champions secure the same boost to their world standing. Despite the smaller scale of a WTA 250 compared to the previous week’s 1000-level event in Dubai, the intensity at Westwood Country Club remained world-class.

Prize Money and Points Distribution

The 2026 event offered a competitive purse for the field, rewarding the deep runs of the finalists at the Westwood Country Club.

Singles Competition

Doubles Competition (Per Team)

With the Austin festivities wrapped up, the tour shifts its focus entirely to the California desert for the start of the Indian Wells Open.