Written by Ben Bryk with Vero Premier Properties a signature division of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury
The Vero Beach International Tennis Open (VBITO)—officially the Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi of Melbourne Vero Beach International Tennis Open—wrapped up in spectacular fashion on February 1, 2026, at the stunning Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club in Vero Beach, Florida. This W75 USTA Pro Circuit women's event on clay courts brought together over 100 top professionals from more than 30 countries, all battling for a $75,000 prize purse and crucial WTA ranking points.
A Legendary Tribute: Ivan Lendl Stadium Court Dedication
One of the biggest highlights of this milestone fifth-anniversary edition was the emotional dedication of the stadium court as the Ivan Lendl Stadium Court at Grand Harbor. In a moving ceremony, the court was officially named in honor of the tennis Hall of Famer and legend Ivan Lendl, celebrating his incredible legacy and his special ongoing ties to the Grand Harbor community. This prestigious tribute elevated every match played on center court, adding historic weight to an already electric week of competition.
Singles Glory: Bianca Andreescu Reigns Supreme
Canada's Bianca Andreescu, seeded No. 6, delivered a masterclass performance to claim her second title of the young 2026 season. In the final, she overpowered unseeded Xiaodi You of China with a commanding 7-5, 6-1 victory.
Andreescu was unstoppable throughout the tournament, dismantling opponents like Victoria Hu, Lia Karatancheva, Kajsa Rinaldo Persson, and Jazmin Ortenzi on her way to the crown. Fresh off strong results—including a title in Bradenton—this triumph propelled her WTA ranking up an impressive 66 spots, from No. 228 to No. 162. It's clear the former US Open champion and Grand Slam winner is firmly in resurgence mode, posting a scorching 13-1 record early in 2026.
Doubles Triumph: Cross and Smith Take the Crown
In doubles, the No. 2 seeds Kayla Cross (Canada) and Alana Smith (USA) sealed the title with a solid 6-2, 6-3 win over the unseeded team of Catherine Harrison and Dalayna Hewitt.
Grand Week Magic: Beyond the Baseline
The tournament was much more than elite tennis—it anchored the vibrant "Grand Week" festival at Grand Harbor. Over 4,600 spectators packed the venue throughout the week, creating an unforgettable, electrifying vibe even as temperatures dropped into the mid-40s for the final. Sold-out box seats and VIP areas showcased the event's soaring popularity.
Off-court excitement included a celebrity-led opening ceremony, captivating art and fashion shows, an antique car showcase, and a luxury vehicle display courtesy of the title sponsors.
None of this magic would have happened without the tireless dedication of approximately 250 volunteers, who handled everything from guest services and ball crew to player support and community outreach, delivering seamless operations and an exceptional experience for everyone involved.
Heartfelt Thanks to Our Incredible Sponsors
A massive thank you goes to the generous sponsors who made this milestone edition shine, including title sponsors Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Audi of Melbourne, along with GHO Homes, Vero Premier Properties (a signature division of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury), and many others.
As tournament organizers shared:
"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."
What a week of tennis, tributes, and triumphs! If you're a fan of the sport—or just love exciting comeback stories—Vero Beach's Grand Week delivered on every level.
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