Written by Ben Bryk with Vero Premier Properties a signature division of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury
Hold onto your rackets, tennis fans! The Vero Beach International Tennis Open (VBITO)—proudly presented as the Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi of Melbourne Vero Beach International Tennis Open—just delivered a blockbuster fifth-anniversary spectacle on February 1, 2026, at the luxurious Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club in Vero Beach, Florida. This high-stakes W75 USTA Pro Circuit women's tournament on clay courts pulled in over 100 elite players from 30+ countries, all vying for a juicy $75,000 prize purse and those all-important WTA ranking points. But trust us, the drama on and off the court was straight out of a Hollywood script—especially with a massive hometown upset in doubles!
The Ultimate Honor: Ivan Lendl Gets Immortalized!
In a moment that had everyone buzzing, the tournament kicked off its anniversary vibes with the jaw-dropping dedication of the stadium court as the Ivan Lendl Stadium Court at Grand Harbor. Picture this: a touching ceremony honoring the absolute tennis icon and Hall of Famer Ivan Lendl for his unmatched legacy and deep-rooted ties to the Grand Harbor community. This wasn't just a name change—it infused every serve, volley, and smash on center court with legendary prestige, making matches feel like history in the making. Who knew clay could carry such star power?
Singles Sensation: Andreescu's Ruthless Rampage
Enter Bianca Andreescu, the Canadian powerhouse and No. 6 seed, who turned Vero Beach into her personal playground. Fresh off a hot streak, she clinched her second title of the 2026 season by absolutely dismantling unseeded Xiaodi You from China in the final: 7-5, 6-1. No mercy!
Her road to glory? A demolition derby: She steamrolled Victoria Hu, Lia Karatancheva, Kajsa Rinaldo Persson, and Jazmin Ortenzi without breaking a sweat. Paired with her recent Bradenton win, this victory catapulted her WTA ranking from a modest No. 228 to a blazing No. 162—a whopping 66-spot leap! With a scorching 13-1 record already this year, is this the start of Andreescu's full-blown comeback era? The former US Open champ is proving she's not just back—she's unstoppable.
Doubles Domination: Florida Twins Maribella & Allura Zamarripa Claim Glory!
Not to be outshone—and stealing hearts across the Sunshine State—the twin sisters from Naples, Florida, Maribella Zamarripa and Allura Zamarripa, surged to the doubles crown in a thrilling display of sibling synergy! The dynamic duo cruised to victory over their opponents in the final, showcasing unbreakable chemistry, precise shot-making, and that special twin telepathy that makes them a nightmare for any pair on the other side of the net. What a proud moment for Florida tennis—local stars rising on home clay!
Grand Week Extravaganza: Chills, Thrills, and Chilly Temps
But VBITO wasn't just about baselines and backhands—it was the epicenter of "Grand Week," a full-blown festival that turned Grand Harbor into a tennis wonderland. Over 4,600 fans braved the week, packing the stands and creating an atmosphere so electric it could power the courts. Even with temps plunging to the mid-40s for the final (brrr!), the energy stayed red-hot, with sold-out box seats and VIP zones buzzing non-stop.
The off-court action? Pure gold: A star-studded celebrity opening ceremony, mesmerizing art and fashion shows, a drool-worthy antique car parade, and a sleek luxury vehicle showcase straight from the title sponsors. It was the perfect blend of sport, style, and spectacle—proving Vero Beach knows how to throw a party.
And let's be real: None of this tennis magic could've happened without the unsung heroes—the roughly 250 volunteers who poured their hearts into everything from greeting guests and chasing balls to supporting players and sparking community vibes. Their passion ensured every moment was flawless and fun for all.
Shoutouts to the MVPs: Our Amazing Sponsors
Huge props to the sponsors who fueled this unforgettable event, including title heavyweights Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Audi of Melbourne, plus GHO Homes, Vero Premier Properties (a premium arm of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury), and all the other partners who stepped up big time.
In the words of the tournament organizers:
"Hosting the Vero Beach International Tennis Open for its fifth year has been an incredible honor for Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club. We are especially proud to dedicate our center court to the legendary Ivan Lendl and to thank our sponsors—Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi of Melbourne, GHO Homes, Vero Premier Properties—and, above all, our incredible team of 250 volunteers for helping deliver an unforgettable experience for players, fans, and the community. This edition cements VBITO's place as one of the premier women's professional tennis events in the U.S., and we look forward to even greater success ahead."
From comeback queens to legendary dedications and twin-powered triumphs right here in Florida, Vero Beach just set the bar sky-high for tennis tournaments. If you missed it, mark your calendars for next year—this is the event that's redefining pro tennis with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of hype!
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What's your take on the Zamarripa sisters' big win or Andreescu's rise—comment below!
