Townsend Tops Stearns in Austin Final

Taylor Townsend defeats Peyton Stearns in three sets to win the ATX Open title

Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:07am

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In a highly anticipated final matchup at the ATX Open in Austin, Taylor Townsend defeated Peyton Stearns in three sets to claim the tournament title. The 119th-ranked Townsend came back from a set down to defeat the 62nd-ranked Stearns 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 in a hard-fought battle that lasted nearly two hours.

Why it matters

This victory marks a career-defining moment for Townsend, who has struggled with consistency in recent years but has now proven she can win a WTA title against a top-100 opponent. For Stearns, the loss is disappointing, but the 22-year-old American has shown tremendous promise and will look to build on this strong run to the final as she continues her climb up the rankings.

The details

Townsend overcame a slow start, dropping the first set to Stearns, before finding her rhythm and taking control of the match. She fired 23 aces and won 69% of her first-serve points, while also breaking Stearns 6 times. Stearns fought hard, blasting 30 winners, but ultimately could not match Townsend's serving prowess and consistency from the baseline.

  • The final took place on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 12:00 pm local time on CENTER COURT.

The players

Taylor Townsend

A 119th-ranked American professional tennis player who has won 6 matches in the tournament to reach the final.

Peyton Stearns

A 62nd-ranked American professional tennis player who has won 9 matches in the tournament to reach the final.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Townsend will look to build on this title win and continue her climb up the WTA rankings, while Stearns will aim to bounce back quickly and make a deep run at her next tournament.

The takeaway

This match showcased the rising talent and competitiveness of American women's tennis, with two young players battling it out for the ATX Open title. Townsend's comeback victory demonstrates her ability to perform under pressure and overcome adversity, while Stearns' strong run to the final suggests she is a player to watch in the coming years.