Recap: Wichita Tennis Open mixes world-class tennis with local outreach
Wheelchair tennis legend Nick Taylor (center) was recognized for a decade as Wichita Tennis Open tournament director as part of the WTO's festivities.
Each year, the Wichita Tennis Open draws several rising tennis stars to Kansas to compete for a generous cash prize.
This year, the USTA Pro Circuit tournament welcomed athletes from around the world. Seventeen countries were represented in the men’s draw and 15 countries in the women’s draw. Participants came to the Wichita State University tennis facility for competition in both singles and doubles in what was a very windy handful of days in June.
In the 10th anniversary of the men’s event, Hiroki Moriya of Japan took home top singles honors, while Ozan Baris (USA) and Matty Shearer (New Zealand) won the doubles competition. Baris is a repeat champion, having won the doubles event in 2023 with partner Garrett Johns.
Fiona Crawley of the U.S. was the winner of the women’s singles event. She was a finalist in 2023. In doubles, Maria Berlanga Bandera (Spain) and Julia Garcia Ruiz (Mexico) won the competition. This was the fourth rendition of the women’s tournament.
“Ozan and Fiona have participated in the tournament three years in a row, as have many, many of our players,” said Kate Foss, WTO assistant tournament director. “We received lots of comments from players that they love playing in the Wichita Tennis Open because of our hospitality and how well-run it is.”
Weathering the Storm
This hospitality was on display when high winds blew through Wichita.
“We lost all 14 of our shade tents and large marquee tents in a storm that blew through,” Foss said. “We purchased more and a stellar team got them set up again, only to have a few more blown away in more high winds. We took them down and kept them packed away until next year due to the high winds.”
Fifteen countries were represented in the women’s draw and 17 countries in the men’s draw.
Ball kids and USTA officials were crucial to the Wichita Tennis Open's success, as were the many volunteers who chipped in.
Fiona Crawley of the U.S. was the winner of the women’s singles event. She was also a finalist in 2023.
Kate Foss again served as the Wichita Tennis Open's assistant tournament director.
- Fifteen countries were represented in the women’s draw and 17 countries in the men’s draw.
- Ball kids and USTA officials were crucial to the Wichita Tennis Open's success, as were the many volunteers who chipped in.
- Fiona Crawley of the U.S. was the winner of the women’s singles event. She was also a finalist in 2023.
- Kate Foss again served as the Wichita Tennis Open's assistant tournament director.
Tennis Triumphs Anyway
While the weather wasn’t as cooperative as years past, that didn’t stop the community from showing up to take in top-tier tennis and some very special events.
Wheelchair tennis great Nick Taylor was recognized for his decade as Wichita Tennis Open tournament director on June 9. Taylor, a three-time Paralympic doubles gold medalist and active member of the wheelchair tennis community, has been vital in the WTO's ongoing success.
A community event, USTA Kids' Day, was held June 13. USTA Missouri Valley, the Wichita Tennis Open and McAdams NJTL partnered to host the closed event to offer outreach to specific community groups, including the local Boys & Girls Club.
Brinker Simmons Book Signing
In addition to these events was a book signing by Cindy Brinker Simmons, daughter of Maureen Connolly Brinker and founder of the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation. She was on hand to sign her book, “Restored: Reconnecting Life’s Broken Pieces,” and to offer words of wisdom to players and attendees alike.
“She was very generous with her time and spoke to a large group of tennis fans,” Foss said. “She returned on Friday to watch some matches and connected with players to share her story.”
Also during the book signing, attendees could donate $100 toward the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation day camps. That $100 bought one day of camp for a deserving young player; these camps provide approximately 25 players with a three-hour tennis lesson.
“Our chapter in Kansas supports local tennis camps and clinics for local kids and offers scholarships for high-performance players that might not be able to afford the elite camps,” Foss said.
In addition to helping these young players advance their tennis skills, donors also received a signed copy of Brinker Simmons’ book.
Check out a previously published story about the Wichita Tennis Open by clicking here. View more photos and info from the WTO by clicking here.
Related Articles
-
![Visit the Tennis for Teachers page]( "USTA Missouri Valley was involved in the 2025 KAHPERD Conference at Fort Hays State University, promoting tennis to PE teachers from Kansas.")
Tennis for TeachersJanuary 09, 2026Nearly 50 Kansas educators experienced tennis in a fun, low-pressure setting during the KAHPERD pre-conference, learning how to integrate the sport into school PE programs. Read More -
![Visit the Statewide Tri-Level Boom page]( "The popular USTA Kansas mixed tri-level league continues to grow, with three divisions offered this year.")
Statewide Tri-Level BoomDecember 04, 2025Record participation, expanding divisions and a year-end mini tournament highlight the rapid rise of USTA Kansas' mixed tri-level league. Read More -
![Visit the Court Makeover Success page]( "Trego Community High School in WaKeeney, Kansas was awarded a $30,450 USTA Tennis Venue Services grant to help the district resurface its tennis facility.")
Court Makeover SuccessNovember 10, 2025When coach Amelia Dirks saw her school's tennis courts needed attention, she took action—securing a USTA grant that transformed Trego Community High School's facility. Read More
Sign up for our Newsletter
Download the USTA App
