What Is the Singapore Tennis Open? A Beginner’s Guide to STO 2026

By The Kallang Published On 01 Jul 2026

The Singapore Tennis Open (STO), the country’s premier professional women's tennis tournament, is entering an exciting new chapter in 2026.

Following a successful return to the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour last year, the tournament has been upgraded from WTA 250 to 500 status, the first of its level on the city’s shores.

While the event made its long-awaited return last year after more than three decades, its history stretches back to 1986, when it was first established as the Singapore Women's Open. The tournament was held until 1994 before returning last February.

Why the STO Matters on the Global Tennis Calendar

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 ranking points that can improve their world ranking and strengthen their chances of qualifying for the season-ending WTA Finals.

Tournaments like the STO give the circuit’s top names and hungry challengers another opportunity to scale the leaderboard.

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 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

Within the WTA Tour structure, tournament categories reflect the prestige, ranking points and prize money available.

While Grand Slams, the WTA Finals and WTA 1000 events sit at the top of the women's tennis calendar, WTA 500 tournaments represent an important tier that regularly attracts many of the world's leading players.

STO is now one of just 18 WTA 500 tournaments worldwide, and the upgrade reflects the success of last year’s edition.

Singapore Tennis Open 2025, at the Kallang Tennis Hub

How the Competition is Structured

STO features both singles and doubles competitions, with players competing through 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 enjoyed a meteoric rise from rank outsider to soaring up the WTA rankings following a breakthrough run to the final of the recently concluded French Open.

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

STO 2026 offers far more than just a chance to watch world-class 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 name through unique engagement opportunities that bring them closer to the action and the athletes they admire.

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 touring professionals.

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, STO 2026 promises an exciting week of sport and entertainment.

A New Era for Tennis in Singapore

The next chapter of Singapore tennis is about to begin - and there’s no better way to experience it than courtside.

As some of the world's best players gather at the OCBC Arena this September, fans will have the opportunity to witness elite women's tennis at a scale never before seen in Singapore. More than just a tournament, STO 2026 is a celebration of sport and a reflection of the growing global profile of women's tennis.

Whether you're coming to witness the world's best players compete, soak in the electric atmosphere, or enjoy a week of world-class entertainment, now is the perfect time to secure your seat at STO 2026.

Early Bird tickets are now on sale, with 10% off across all ticket categories from now until 27 July. 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.