Wichita Tennis Open features pro matches, kids' events and all-new One Point Slam
The Wichita Tennis Open, Kansas’ only pro-level tennis tournament, kicks off later this month at the Sheldon Coleman Tennis Complex on the beautiful Wichita State University campus — fittingly during May’s National Tennis Month.
The USTA Missouri Valley is proud to once again help sponsor the Pro Circuit event.
The women’s tournament runs May 24-31, and the men’s tournament is June 7-14. Both draws promise high-octane competition among tennis’ rising stars.
The stakes remain high this year, with prize money at $35,000 for the women and $25,000 for the men.
In addition to the exciting matches — all of which are free to the public — several community events are planned across both tournament schedules.
On May 28 at 6:30 p.m., the USTA Open Kids’ Night returns with a superhero theme.
On May 30, join in on the fun with a special USTA Community Red Ball Tennis event, during which players of all ages can learn the fundamentals of tennis with friends and family.
On June 10, check out the wheelchair tennis exhibition hosted by wheelchair tennis legend Nick Taylor. This year marks the 50th anniversary of wheelchair tennis, making the exhibition exceptionally special.
On June 11, Kids’ Day, hosted by the USTA and Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation, returns for another year of activities and drills for kids led by Colin Foster. Food and drink will be provided.
On June 12-13, a fashion show hosted by Jackie McGilbray and a book signing by Bonnie Bing are planned. A Lululemon fashion show is also planned for the women’s tournament week, though details are still being finalized.
Wheelchair tennis great Nick Taylor, tournament director for the Wichita Tennis Open, hit a baseball with a tennis racquet for the first pitch before a May 9 Wichita State University baseball game.
Kids' Day events are a key part of the community-centered fun at the 2026 Wichita Tennis Open, with a Kids' Night happening on May 28 and a Kids' Day on June 11.
"We schedule parties, drills, Kids’ Days, exhibition matches and meet-and-greets throughout the two weeks of the tournament," said Lisa Sutherland, Wichita Tennis Open organizer.
- Wheelchair tennis great Nick Taylor, tournament director for the Wichita Tennis Open, hit a baseball with a tennis racquet for the first pitch before a May 9 Wichita State University baseball game.
- Kids' Day events are a key part of the community-centered fun at the 2026 Wichita Tennis Open, with a Kids' Night happening on May 28 and a Kids' Day on June 11.
- "We schedule parties, drills, Kids’ Days, exhibition matches and meet-and-greets throughout the two weeks of the tournament," said Lisa Sutherland, Wichita Tennis Open organizer.
Tournament organizers said there may still be more in store as they finalize the event schedule. But they can shed light on an exciting new addition, the One Point Slam, modeled after an event that debuted at the 2026 Australian Open. The One Point Slam will take place June 8 with prize money up for grabs.
“People can enter the event for $10, and the prize for winning is $1,000,” said Kate Foss, assistant director of the Wichita Tennis Open. “The basic rules are that we’ll have either a 32- or 48-person draw, and two people will be matched up to play each other. They decide who serves by playing rock, paper, scissors.
“If you’re just an amateur player, you would get two serves. And if you’re a pro, you just get one serve. And you play out the point. Whoever wins the point moves on to the next part of the bracket. It shouldn’t take long to play, but it should be tons of fun. And it’s an exciting opportunity for someone to win $1,000.”
Lisa Sutherland, Wichita community tennis director and Wichita Tennis Open founder, continues to grow the tournament into something players and community members look forward to each year.
“Players love to compete here, and we are one of the best professional futures tournaments in the country,” she said. “Admission is always free. And we schedule parties, drills, Kids’ Days, exhibition matches and meet-and-greets throughout the two weeks of the tournament.”
Taylor promoted the Wichita Tennis Open — as well as National Tennis Month — with a unique, tennis-inspired first pitch at a May 9 Wichita State University baseball game. Watch Taylor’s first pitch here.
View the Wichita Tennis Open website here. Check out a story on tournament organizer Lisa Sutherland here.
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