A Beginner's Guide to the Singapore Tennis Open 2026
Published On 01 Jul 2026
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The Singapore Tennis Open (STO), the top professional women's tennis tournament in the region, is entering an exciting new chapter in 2026.
Following Singapore's successful return to the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour calendar last year, the tournament has been upgraded from WTA 250 to 500 status.
Singapore has had a long history with women’s tennis, stretching back to 1986 when the Singapore Women’s Open took place, and then with the WTA Finals from 2014 to 2018, where the WTA Tour’s crown jewel event featured the top eight players of the year at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Why the STO Matters on the Global Tennis Calendar
The STO 2026 is part of the WTA Tour, which features more than 50 tournaments across 26 countries and territories throughout the season.
As part of the Asian swing, the tournament occupies a key position on the calendar and is the only WTA 500 event in Southeast Asia this season.
For players, every match represents an opportunity to earn valuable points that can improve their world ranking and strengthen their chances of qualifying for the season-ending WTA Finals.
The STO give the sport's top names one of the last opportunities of the season to scale the leaderboard.
The STO 2026 at the OCBC Arena
From Sep 21 to 27, the OCBC Arena at The Kallang will host some of the world's best players in women's tennis for a week of world-class competition.
Played on indoor hard courts, the tournament offers players consistent playing conditions while ensuring fans enjoy a comfortable viewing experience regardless of the weather.
Elise Mertens, winner of the singles title at the inaugural Singapore Tennis Open
What the Upgrade from WTA 250 to WTA 500 Means
Following the success of the 2025 edition of the tournament, the STO has now been upgraded to be one of just 18 WTA 500 tournaments worldwide.
At a WTA 500 level, the STO now offers more ranking points and greater prize money, and as part of the Asian Swing, offers players one of the last few opportunities to accumulate precious ranking points to qualify for the WTA Finals.
The 2025 edition of the STO featured an impressive line-up that included former US Open champion Emma Raducanu, former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, current world No. 20 Anna Kalinskaya and eventual singles champion Elise Mertens.
With the tournament's promotion to WTA 500 status, fans can look forward to an even stronger field of competitors as players seek valuable points and titles during a crucial stage of the season.
Singapore Tennis Open 2025, at the Kallang Tennis Hub
How the Competition is Structured
The STO features both singles and doubles competitions, with players competing in a knockout format.
Before the main tournament begins, qualifying rounds provide an opportunity for lower-ranked players and rising stars to earn a place in the main draw.
The singles competition features a 28-player draw, while the doubles tournament consists of 16 pairs.
As players progress through the tournament, they earn ranking points based on their results. The deeper they advance, the more points they receive, and these points contribute to their world ranking and can influence entry into future tournaments.
John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images
Take Polish sensation Maja Chwalinska, for example: she achieved a meteoric rise up the WTA rankings with a breakthrough run to the final of the French Open this year.
Entering the tournament as a qualifier, the 24-year-old defied expectations to reach her first Grand Slam final, a performance that propelled her 93 places up the rankings to a career-high world No. 21.
Anna Kalinskaya at the Singapore Tennis Open 2025
Why Bigger Tournaments Attract Bigger Names
Higher-tier events not only offer more ranking points and greater prize money but also increased visibility, making them particularly attractive to top-ranked players.
The 2025 edition already featured an impressive line-up that included former US Open champion Emma Raducanu, former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, world No. 20 Anna Kalinskaya and eventual singles champion Elise Mertens.
With the tournament's promotion to WTA 500 status, fans can look forward to an even stronger field of competitors as players seek valuable points and titles during a crucial stage of the season.
Meet-and-Greet Opportunities at the Singapore Tennis Open 2025
What Fans Can Expect On and Off the Court
The STO 2026 offers far more than just a chance to watch world-class tennis matches.
Meet-and-Greet Opportunities at the Singapore Tennis Open 2025
Diehard tennis fans can get up close and personal with the tour’s biggest names through unique engagement opportunities like autograph and meet-and-greet sessions.
Tennis clinics held during the Singapore Tennis Open 2025
There will also be tennis clinics so fans can test their skills on court, sharpen their game, and pick up valuable tips from the best in the game.
Experiential sponsor booths and fan activations at Singapore Tennis Open 2025
Beyond the sporting action, visitors can elevate their tournament experience through premium hospitality offerings featuring curated food and beverage selections, while a range of experiential booths and fan activations dotted across the tournament venue will provide additional entertainment and engagement for fans of all ages.
Whether you're a lifelong tennis enthusiast or attending your first professional tennis tournament, the STO 2026 promises an exciting week of sport and entertainment.
Don't miss your chance to be part of Singapore's biggest women's tennis tournament yet. Secure your tickets here and get ready to Rally the Roar this September.
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