Texas Ex Peyton Stearns Wins ATX Open Title

Stearns claims her first hard court singles championship after previous losses at the event.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Peyton Stearns, a former University of Texas tennis player, won the singles title at the 2026 ATX Open in Austin. Stearns, a crowd favorite at the event, had lost in the first round in 2024 and 2025 but this year defeated Taylor Townsend in straight sets to claim her second career singles championship and first on a hard court surface.

Why it matters

Stearns' victory at the ATX Open represents a breakthrough for the Texas native, who had struggled at the event in previous years. Her win showcases her growth as a player and ability to perform on the big stage in front of a hometown crowd.

The details

After losing in the first round in 2024 and 2025, Stearns fought through a tough first set tiebreaker against Townsend before closing out the match in straight sets. This marks Stearns' second career singles title, with her previous championship coming on clay. The all-American final was played in front of a packed crowd at Westwood Country Club in Austin.

  • Stearns lost in the first round at the ATX Open in 2024 and 2025.
  • The 2026 ATX Open final was played on March 1, 2026.

The players

Peyton Stearns

A former University of Texas tennis player who won the singles national championship in 2022 and led the Longhorns to back-to-back team national titles in 2021 and 2022.

Taylor Townsend

Stearns' opponent in the 2026 ATX Open final, an American professional tennis player.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This had been part of the vision for a couple years now. Some things take time, however.”

— Peyton Stearns (kxan.com)

What’s next

Stearns' victory at the ATX Open could set her up for a strong 2026 season on the WTA Tour as she looks to build on her success at the event.

The takeaway

Stearns' win at the ATX Open demonstrates the perseverance and growth of a local tennis star, providing inspiration for aspiring athletes in the Austin community.