Venus Williams, Ostapenko Join Stacked ATX Open Field

Seven-time Grand Slam champ Venus Williams receives wildcard, joins 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko in Austin tournament.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams will compete at the upcoming WTA 250 ATX Open in Austin, Texas, after receiving a wildcard entry. Williams, 45, expressed enthusiasm for her debut at the event, saying she looks forward to playing both singles and doubles in front of the passionate tennis community. Jelena Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open winner, has also been granted a wildcard to join the stacked ATX Open field.

Why it matters

The addition of tennis legends like Williams and Ostapenko to the ATX Open lineup raises the tournament's profile and intensifies the competition, as players like defending champion Jessica Pegula aim to maintain their dominance. This gathering of seasoned champions and rising contenders promises exciting matches for fans and adds to the growing importance of the ATX Open on the WTA Tour calendar.

The details

Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, will be making her first appearance at the ATX Open. Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open winner, received a wildcard to join the tournament after missing the entry deadline, not due to her ranking or performance. Ostapenko's recent form in 2026 has been challenging, with only two WTA match wins, despite maintaining a ranking that qualifies her directly for the ATX Open. The wildcard was necessary for her to compete in Austin.

  • The 2026 ATX Open is set to begin on Monday, February 23, in Austin, Texas.
  • Before arriving in Austin, Ostapenko is scheduled to compete in the WTA 1000 Qatar Open in Doha and the Dubai Tennis Championships, both beginning in February.

The players

Venus Williams

A seven-time Grand Slam champion who will be making her debut at the ATX Open in Austin.

Jelena Ostapenko

The 2017 French Open champion who received a wildcard to join the stacked ATX Open field.

Jessica Pegula

The defending champion of the ATX Open, who won the title in 2025 and is the top seed for the 2026 edition.

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What they’re saying

“I'm so excited to be heading to Austin and playing my first ATX Open.”

— Venus Williams (Instagram)

“I'm looking forward to playing both singles and doubles in front of such a passionate tennis community.”

— Venus Williams (Instagram)

“Wow… the field just keeps getting more insane, Austin.”

— ATX Open organisers (Instagram)

“We're adding another Grand Slam champ to the mix: Jelena Ostapenko!”

— ATX Open organisers (Instagram)

What’s next

Ostapenko will look to build momentum at the upcoming WTA 1000 Qatar Open and Dubai Tennis Championships before arriving in Austin for the ATX Open.

The takeaway

The addition of tennis legends like Venus Williams and Jelena Ostapenko to the ATX Open field raises the tournament's profile and intensifies the competition, as players like defending champion Jessica Pegula aim to maintain their dominance in front of the passionate tennis community in Austin.