Now in its fourth year, the ATX Open showcases world-class women’s tennis in Austin, driving both local and national growth in the sport’s participation.
Now in its fourth year, the ATX Open has quickly become one of Austin’s signature sporting events, bringing world-class women’s tennis to Westwood Country Club through March 1.
The tournament is a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 250 event on the 2026 WTA Tour, drawing stars including Venus Williams and thousands of fans to its outdoor hard courts.
The event is run by Drop Shot Series in partnership with the Capital Area Tennis Association (CATA) and USTA Texas, part of a broader push to grow the sport at every level.
“It really was and kind of still is a homegrown effort to bring professional tennis to the Austin area. said Jessica McMillen, director of development for CATA. “We started with over 300 local volunteers for our ushers, our ball kids, our drivers, our player relations, and the community just really embraced it.”
McMillen said the tournament has seen “huge growth” in attendance and fan activations since its debut, and it “continues to get bigger and better every year.” CATA, which McMillen calls the “grassroots provider for all programming in Central Texas,” now offers opportunities for players “from 6 to 106 years old,” including beginner classes, adult leagues, junior tournaments and junior team tennis.
CATA expects adult participation to keep climbing this year, with McMillen saying its “on track to have over 17,000 adult registrations for tournaments and leagues,” along with about 1,000 children each year in junior team tennis and a similar number in junior tournaments.
That local growth mirrors what’s happening nationwide. U.S. tennis participation has climbed to about 27.3 million players after six straight years of growth, according to the USTA, which has set a goal of reaching 35 million players by 2035. The national “35 by ’35” strategy focuses on keeping new and returning players on the court for life and expanding access to courts and coaching around the country.
McMillen said the ATX Open helps inspire the next generation of players by bringing them courtside to see the sport at its highest level.
“We invite all of the local coaches to bring their kids out to see professional tennis firsthand,” she said. “It is kind of an aspirational and inspiring event, but we also try to connect with our coaches.”
McMillen said USTA National’s new “USTA Coaching” program helps remove barriers for anyone who wants to become a teaching professional or a parent who hopes to captain a junior team.
Off the court, the ATX Open has grown into a full fan experience. McMillen said the tournament offers autograph signings with players along with sponsor activations and themed days for families and children. This year’s schedule has included a large children’s and family day with the Andy Roddick Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs, on-court activities with local partner Racket Lifestyle, and interactive moments like a tennis player serving ice cream from an Amy’s Ice Creams truck.
But the rapid growth in participation has exposed a major challenge for Austin’s tennis community: there aren’t enough courts.
“We’re experiencing an extreme court shortage,” McMillen said.
She noted that CATA and its partners are working to expand access by refurbishing existing courts, adding lighting so people can play after dark. McMillen said CATA is also collaborating with USTA Texas and USTA National on court expansion proposals and is eager to partner with anyone interested in health, wellness and community infrastructure.
“The future is extremely bright. We’ve just got to get more courts built here in Austin,” she said.
For those who have never picked up a racket, McMillen points newcomers to the CATA website, where they can find beginner-friendly options like Red Ball programs that use softer balls and smaller courts, all the way up to competitive leagues and tournaments.
McMillen said CATA is also asking for community support to help meet the demand for more places to play.
“If you’re able and willing, you’ll see a bright red donate button if you’re interested in helping us with our mission to make Austin the greatest community in the country through tennis,” she said.
As for the ATX Open itself, matches run through March 1 at Westwood Country Club, with daytime and evening sessions, fan zones, autograph sessions and sponsor activations. Tournament and ticket information is available here.