Birmingham Open to Launch British Grass Court Tennis Season in 2026
The Lexus Birmingham Open is set to mark the beginning of the British grass court tennis season for the first time in 2026. This prestigious week-long event will be hosted at the Edgbaston Priory Club, with tickets now on sale for the summer tennis swing starting on 30 May.
New Format and Tournament Details
The tournament will run until 7 June, continuing the new format that debuted last year, which features both male and female players competing in the same week. Previously a women's only event, the inclusion of men in 2025 brought a fresh dynamic to the competition.
Last year's champions included Finland's Otto Virtanen, who won the men's singles title by defeating Colton Smith 6-4, 6-4 in the final. In the women's singles, Greet Minnen of Belgium triumphed over Linda Fruhvirtová of the Czech Republic with a score of 6-2, 6-1.
Economic Impact and Fan Engagement
Almost 13,000 fans attended the 2025 tournament, with nearly two-thirds traveling from outside Birmingham to enjoy live tennis. The event significantly boosted the local economy, generating £362,429 in spectator spending.
British fans had reason to cheer as Alicia Barnett, partnering with Elixane Lechemia, reached the women's doubles final, though they were ultimately defeated by Destanee Aiava and Cristina Bucșa 6-4, 6-2.
Legacy and Future Prospects
The tournament has a rich history, with past champions including Grand Slam winners such as Jelena Ostapenko, Ons Jabeur, and Ash Barty. Rising British star Mimi Xu, then 17 years old, made it to the quarter-finals last year, showcasing the event's role in nurturing young talent.
Kirsty Thomson, LTA Tournament Director of the Lexus Birmingham Open, expressed pride in the team's efforts: "We were very proud of the work the whole LTA team put into making the Lexus Birmingham Open so successful last year and bringing together some of the best men's and women's players at Edgbaston Priory Club for the first time."
She added, "There will be lots happening on-site this summer alongside the tennis, with activities planned throughout the week to create a festival of tennis in the West Midlands to kickstart the grass court season."
Tickets are now available, starting from £10 for children and £20 for adults, and can be purchased through the LTA's official website.
