Austin, Texas, February 5, 2026
Tennis icon Venus Williams has confirmed she will compete in the ATX Open, marking her debut in the tournament held in Austin, Texas. The event is scheduled from February 21 to March 1 and will feature a field of top players including defending champion Jessica Pegula. This year’s tournament promises to be highly competitive, showcasing both established stars and emerging talents in women’s tennis. Williams’ participation is a significant draw, highlighting the growth of women’s sports and the prominence of the ATX Open.
Austin, Texas – Venus Williams to Compete in ATX Open
Venus Williams, the 45-year-old tennis icon, has confirmed her participation in the 2026 ATX Open, marking her debut in the tournament. The event is scheduled to take place from February 21 to March 1 at the Westwood Country Club in Austin, Texas.
Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and four-time Olympic gold medalist, will compete in both singles and doubles events. She expressed her excitement about playing in Austin, highlighting the city’s vibrant energy and enthusiastic fans.
The ATX Open, established in 2023, is Texas’ only women’s tour-level tennis tournament. This year, it will feature a strong field of competitors, including defending champion Jessica Pegula, who is currently ranked No. 6 in the world. Other notable players include Iva Jovic, McCartney Kessler, and Peyton Stearns, a University of Texas tennis legend and Austin fan favorite.
Williams’ participation adds significant star power to the tournament, drawing attention to the growing prominence of the ATX Open in the tennis world.
Background on Venus Williams
Venus Williams has had a storied career, securing 21 Grand Slam singles titles and 14 Grand Slam doubles titles alongside her sister, Serena Williams. She is also the most decorated tennis player in Olympic history, with four gold medals and one silver across four Olympic Games. Williams returned to the WTA Tour in July 2025 after a year-long hiatus, marking her first singles win since August 2023. Her participation in the ATX Open signifies her ongoing commitment to the sport and her enthusiasm for engaging with tennis communities worldwide.
About the ATX Open
The ATX Open is a WTA 250 tournament held annually in Austin, Texas. It is the only women’s tour-level tennis event in the state and has quickly become a significant fixture in the tennis calendar. The tournament is played on outdoor hard courts at the Westwood Country Club, offering a platform for both established and emerging players to showcase their talents. The 2026 edition promises to be the most competitive yet, with a lineup of top-ranked players and a passionate local fan base.
Key Takeaways
The 2026 ATX Open is set to elevate Austin’s profile in the tennis world and showcase the enduring vitality of women’s sports. With participants like Venus Williams and an impressive field, the event symbolizes the potential for growth not just in sports but also in the local economy through tourism and community engagement.
As Austin continues to cultivate a reputation as a hub for business innovation and economic opportunity, hosting significant events such as the ATX Open illustrates the city’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. The excitement surrounding the upcoming tournament is a testament to the collaborative efforts within the community to support athletic excellence and the overall economic landscape.
FAQ
What is the ATX Open?
The ATX Open is a WTA 250 tournament held annually in Austin, Texas, featuring top women’s tennis players from around the world. It is the only women’s tour-level tennis event in Texas.
When and where is the 2026 ATX Open taking place?
The 2026 ATX Open is scheduled from February 21 to March 1 at the Westwood Country Club in Austin, Texas.
Who is Venus Williams?
Venus Williams is a 45-year-old American tennis player, known for her seven Grand Slam singles titles and four Olympic gold medals. She is set to make her debut at the ATX Open in 2026.
Who are other notable players participating in the 2026 ATX Open?
Other notable players include defending champion Jessica Pegula, ranked No. 6 in the world, Iva Jovic, McCartney Kessler, and Peyton Stearns, a University of Texas tennis legend and Austin fan favorite.
Key Features of the 2026 ATX Open
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | February 21 to March 1, 2026 |
| Location | Westwood Country Club, Austin, Texas |
| Venus Williams’ Participation | Competing in both singles and doubles events |
| Defending Champion | Jessica Pegula, ranked No. 6 in the world |
| Other Notable Players | Iva Jovic, McCartney Kessler, Peyton Stearns |
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Venus Williams to Compete in ATX Open
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
