WTA Tour Returns to Athens for First Time in 35 Years
ATHENS, Greece – After more than three decades, professional women’s tennis is making a triumphant return to the cradle of civilization. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) officially announced that the Athens Open, a WTA 250 event, will debut the week of July 13, 2026.
The tournament marks the first time the WTA Tour has visited Athens since 1990, effectively ending a 35-year absence. The new event will replace the Jiangxi Open in China on the global calendar and serves as a vital addition to the summer hard-court swing following Wimbledon.
A Full-Circle Moment for the Sakkari Family
For Greek superstar Maria Sakkari, the news is more than just a scheduling update—it is a deeply personal milestone. Sakkari, the highest-ranked Greek woman in history with a career-high of World No. 3, has long been the face of the country’s tennis resurgence.
“To be able to step on court at home and hear the Greek fans will be one of the highlights of my career,” Sakkari said in a statement. “Athens is where I first picked up a tennis racket and dreamed of becoming a professional… it will be a truly special moment to inspire young players.”
The return to Athens also carries a unique family legacy. The original “Athens Trophy,” which ran from 1986 to 1990, saw Sakkari’s mother, Angeliki Kanellopoulou, reach the final in the tournament’s inaugural year. While Kanellopoulou fell to Sylvia Hanika in that 1986 final, her daughter now has the chance to go one step further on home soil.
Venue and Tournament Details
The tournament will be hosted at the Stadion Sports Center, situated within the historic Athens Olympic Tennis Centre. This venue is a centerpiece of the OAKA (Olympic Athletic Center of Athens) complex, which saw significant infrastructure upgrades leading into the 2026 season.
Key Tournament Facts:
- Classification: WTA 250
- Surface: Outdoor Hard Court
- Draw Size: 32-player singles / 16-team doubles
- Dates: Commencing July 13, 2026
- Location: Marousi, Athens (Site of the 2004 Summer Olympics)
Global Growth of the Game
The addition of the Athens Open brings the WTA Tour to 27 different countries and territories this season. This expansion highlights the sport’s strategy to capitalize on local stars—like Sakkari in Greece or Ons Jabeur in Tunisia—to grow the game’s footprint in regions with rich sporting cultures but limited professional tournament history.
For Greek fans, the July date offers a rare chance to see world-class talent up close, bridging a gap that has existed since the final points were played at the Athens Lawn Tennis Club in 1990. As the tour shifts from the grass of London to the hard courts of Greece, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Sakkari as she attempts to claim a title in the city where her journey began.