Venus Williams, Longhorns Headline 2026 ATX Open

Tennis legend Venus Williams and Texas Longhorns stars Peyton Stearns and Lulu Sun compete at the annual Austin tennis tournament.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The 2026 ATX Open in Austin featured a star-studded lineup, including tennis legend Venus Williams and several Texas Longhorns players. Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, took on Ajla Tomljanović in the first round, but lost in two sets. Meanwhile, Texas ex Peyton Stearns advanced to the second round after defeating Francesca Jones in three sets, and fellow Longhorn Lulu Sun was set to face Caroline Dolehide in a night match.

Why it matters

The ATX Open has become a premier tennis event in Austin, attracting top players from around the world as well as local favorites from the University of Texas. The appearance of Venus Williams, one of the all-time greats, and the success of the Longhorns players generate excitement and interest in the tournament within the Austin community.

The details

Venus Williams, at age 45, returned to the court at the ATX Open, taking on Australia's Ajla Tomljanović in the first round. Despite the crowd support, Williams was unable to overcome Tomljanović, who had previously defeated Williams' sister Serena at the 2022 US Open. On the Texas side, Peyton Stearns, a Longhorns alum, advanced to the second round after defeating Francesca Jones in three sets. Lulu Sun, another Texas player, was set to face Caroline Dolehide in a night match.

  • The 2026 ATX Open took place on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • Venus Williams faced Ajla Tomljanović in an early afternoon match.
  • Peyton Stearns defeated Francesca Jones earlier in the day.
  • Lulu Sun was scheduled to play Caroline Dolehide in a night match.

The players

Venus Williams

A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and tennis legend who is still competing at the age of 45.

Ajla Tomljanović

An Australian tennis player who defeated Venus Williams' sister Serena at the 2022 U.S. Open.

Peyton Stearns

A former University of Texas tennis player who was a fan favorite at the ATX Open.

Lulu Sun

A current University of Texas tennis player competing in the ATX Open.

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What they’re saying

“It was really fun. The crowd was really great. I tried my best. [Tomljanović] played a little better than I did.”

— Venus Williams (KXAN)

What’s next

Ajla Tomljanović will face the second-seeded Iva Jovic in the second round, while Peyton Stearns will take on Kaja Juvan.

The takeaway

The 2026 ATX Open showcased the enduring star power of Venus Williams as well as the rising talent of local Longhorns players, demonstrating the tournament's ability to attract both global tennis legends and hometown favorites.