Texas tennis fans have convened in Austin this week, where stars like Venus Williams and Peyton Stearns have taken the court for the ATX Open. The women’s professional tennis tournament, which runs through March 1, is marking its fourth year in Austin.
Despite the withdrawal of top-ranked player Jessica Pegula, the tournament has still managed to draw a lot of attention — something that’s in no small part due to Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, entering the event as a wild card.
Christo van Rensburg, the tournament’s director, said the Texas tournament has steadily grown since first launching in 2023.
“We started with 16,000 people,” van Rensburg said. “Last year, we reached 22,000. And then this year is our best draw yet.”
Williams participation in the tournament highlights the increased status of the rather young event. This week marked her first time competing in Central Texas and the fans helped her feel welcome, cheering and chanting her name during both her singles and doubles matches.
“This year’s ATX Open has been record breaking. The stands have been packed with fans who’ve come to see Venus Williams, Peyton Stearns, Ajla Tomljanovoic, Taylor Townsend, Iva Jovic, and so many other top players,” van Rensburg said. “The media interest has never been higher.”
Williams lost both matches in two sets, but said the fan support stood out for her.
Venus Williams, right, fist bumps partner Peyton Stearns at the net during a doubles match against Storm Hunter and Taylor Townsend in the ATX Open at Westwood Country Club.
“I think I played quite a few years where I didn’t have that, so it’s nice to be in this moment of my life where I do have that,” Williams said after her singles match. “So, I appreciate every second of it.”
Williams also played doubles alongside former UT-Austin NCAA singles champion Peyton Stearns. The now 24-year-old Longhorn also helped lead her college team to consecutive titles.
Ahead of the pair’s match, Stearns acknowledged the rare opportunity to compete alongside a tennis legend.
“Not everyday you get to play doubles with Venus Williams, that’s for sure,” Stearns said. “She’s done so much for the sport.”
Van Rensburg said having both international tennis stars and players with local ties has been key to growing the tournament.
“Peyton Stearns has been great. She keeps coming back. She’s already in town. And to have the support of the local people who always ask you, you know, is Peyton coming?” he said. “These are the things we have to discuss, that we support our local people too.”
As for her time off the court, Williams told reporters she was enjoying her time in Austin, adding that sampling its culinary offerings was a top priority while in town.
“There’s a lot of good eating here,” Williams said. “So, I think that can be a blessing and a curse.”
The ATX Open continues through Sunday.