Memphis Rejoins WTA Tour After 15-Year Absence

The WTA 250 Memphis Classic will replace the Cleveland event in late July 2026.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:15am

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The WTA has announced that Memphis, Tennessee, will rejoin the WTA Tour calendar for the first time in nearly 15 years. The WTA 250 Memphis Classic is scheduled for the week of July 27, replacing the Cleveland event originally planned for late August.

Why it matters

Memphis has a rich tennis history, with past champions including Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Victoria Azarenka. The return of the tournament is seen as a revival of that tradition, offering fans in Tennessee another chance to witness elite competition.

The details

The Memphis Classic will be played on outdoor hard courts at the Leftwich Tennis Centre, which underwent a multimillion‑dollar renovation and expansion in 2023. The event will feature a 32‑player singles draw and a 16‑team doubles draw, bringing top‑level women's tennis back to the city for the first time since 2013.

  • The WTA 250 Memphis Classic is scheduled for the week of July 27, 2026.

The players

Venus Williams

A past champion of the Memphis tournament.

Maria Sharapova

A past champion of the Memphis tournament.

Victoria Azarenka

A past champion of the Memphis tournament.

Jessica Pegula

Recently captured her landmark 10th WTA title at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, underscoring the depth and competitiveness of the tour.

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The takeaway

The addition of the Memphis Classic to the 2026 WTA Tour calendar will strengthen the tour's presence in the United States and provide players with another opportunity to compete on hard courts ahead of the summer swing.