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15 October 2025

Tommy Paul Joins Star-Studded 2026 Delray Beach Open Field

Top American joins Fritz and Ruud as tournament unveils new experiences and a packed schedule for its 34th edition in Delray Beach

Excitement is already building in South Florida as the Delray Beach Open gears up for its 34th edition, set to run from February 13 to 22, 2026, at the Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center. The ATP 250 event, a staple on the global tennis calendar and the first North American hard court event of the outdoor season, just added another major name to its roster—world Top 20 player and local favorite Tommy Paul. With this announcement, Paul joins No. 4 Taylor Fritz and No. 12 Casper Ruud, both previously confirmed for the tournament, setting the stage for what promises to be a star-studded affair.

For Tommy Paul, the 2025 season has been nothing short of a breakthrough. The 28-year-old American kicked off the year with a powerful run to the quarterfinals at the Australian Open in January, a result that propelled him into the world’s Top 10 for the very first time. Not content to rest on his laurels, Paul followed up with another Grand Slam quarterfinal at the French Open, joining compatriot Frances Tiafoe as the first American men since 2003 to reach the final eight in Paris. Along the way, Paul notched four semifinal appearances and reached a career-high world ranking of No. 8 in June.

Reflecting on his return to Delray Beach, Paul couldn’t hide his enthusiasm. “Delray is one of my favorite events of the year,” Paul shared. “Always fun getting to play in my backyard. I was gutted to miss this event in 2025 and really excited to be back in 2026.” His excitement is palpable, and for good reason—Paul has a history with the tournament, having reached the final in 2024 during a season that saw him win a career-best 45 matches and collect three ATP Tour titles, one of only four players to achieve that feat that year. With four career titles now to his name, Paul’s upward trajectory is one to watch.

Off the court, Paul’s 2025 was also marked by a personal milestone, as he and longtime girlfriend Paige Lorenze announced their engagement in July. It’s been a year of growth and celebration, both professionally and personally, and the Delray Beach crowd will no doubt be eager to welcome their hometown hero back to the courts in February.

But Paul won’t be the only headline act. Taylor Fritz, the reigning Delray Beach Open champion for both 2023 and 2024, returns with a shot at history—no player in the event’s 34-year run has ever won the title three times. Fritz, who reached the final of the 2024 US Open, has proven himself a force on hard courts and will look to cement his legacy in Delray Beach. Casper Ruud, currently ranked No. 12, is also set to make his tournament debut in 2026, 28 years after his father Christian first competed at the event. Ruud brings Grand Slam pedigree as a finalist at both the French Open (2022, 2023) and US Open (2022), adding further depth to an already formidable field.

The Delray Beach Open isn’t just about world-class tennis—it’s a festival of sport and entertainment that has become a fixture in the Palm Beach County social calendar. The 2026 edition promises an expanded lineup of food and beverage experiences, including the highly anticipated Serve & Savor party, part of the Delray Beach Open Food & Wine Series. Last year, every Food & Wine Series event sold out, and organizers expect even greater demand this time around. Over 40 of South Florida’s top restaurants, food purveyors, and spirit partners will be on hand, ensuring that fans are as well-fed as they are entertained.

The 10-day tournament is packed with parties, special recognition days, clinics, and exclusive VIP events. It all kicks off with the FAN FEST Weekend from February 13 to 15, featuring a Legends event that brings some of the sport’s past stars back to the court—a tradition now in its 17th year. Qualifying rounds follow on February 14 and 15, with the ATP 250 singles and doubles main draw action getting underway on Monday, February 16. The finals are set for Sunday, February 22, wrapping up a week and a half of top-tier tennis and off-court festivities.

Fans looking to secure their spot courtside can choose from a range of ticket options, including single session tickets, series packages, Reserved seats, and Courtside Box seats that come with access to the VIP Clubhouse Lounge, VIP parking, and the Box Holders’ Reception. For those seeking the ultimate experience, there’s limited availability for the Best Seats in the House—director’s chairs positioned right on the court—as well as the shaded Veranda seats, which now include light bites, soft drinks, beer, and wine. With demand expected to be high, fans are encouraged to visit DelrayBeachOpen.com to purchase tickets and explore the full list of special events.

Over its 33-year history, the Delray Beach Open has been both a launching pad for rising stars and a stage for the game’s elite to capture silverware. Past champions include former US Open winners Marin Cilic and Juan Martin del Potro, along with Grand Slam finalists like Fritz, Kei Nishikori, and Kevin Anderson. Notable names such as Frances Tiafoe and Hubert Hurkacz have also lifted the trophy here. The tournament’s rich legacy is further underscored by appearances from Hall of Famers and fan favorites including Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt, Tommy Haas, Patrick Rafter, Jim Courier, Michael Chang, the Bryan Brothers, the Woodies, Ivan Lendl, Mats Wilander, and Jimmy Connors.

Each year, the event draws over 60,000 fans to Delray Beach and reaches television audiences in more than 135 countries, making it a truly global celebration of tennis. The city itself, known as the "Village by the Sea," has garnered numerous accolades for its charm, tourism, and community spirit, including the “All-America City” award and recognition as one of the “Best Atlantic Beaches in Florida.”

As the ATP Tour’s first North American hard court stop of the season and one of just eight ATP Tour events in the United States, the Delray Beach Open continues to play a pivotal role in the tennis calendar. The tournament’s blend of elite competition, vibrant atmosphere, and community engagement has made it a must-attend event for players and fans alike.

With Tommy Paul, Taylor Fritz, and Casper Ruud headlining the 2026 field, and a slate of new experiences and returning traditions on tap, anticipation is running high. As more player announcements are expected in the coming weeks, tennis enthusiasts and local fans are already marking their calendars for what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable edition of the Delray Beach Open.