MIDLAND, Michigan, Today marks the official commencement of the 2026 Dow Tennis Classic, one of the most prestigious women’s professional tennis tournaments in the United States and a significant event on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 125 series calendar. From February 15–22, 2026, the Greater Midland Tennis Center is hosting top women athletes from around the world, showcasing elite competition, community engagement, and meaningful opportunities for women and girls in sports.
The Dow Tennis Classic (DTC), now in its 31st edition, returned to its traditional February timeslot this year, after previously being rescheduled to autumn, reinforcing its legacy as a premier early‑season showcase for rising stars and established competitors alike.
A Professional Stage for Women Athletes
The tournament is part of the professional WTA 125 circuit, a tier of competitions that provide crucial ranking points, prize money opportunities, and high‑level match play for women on the path to higher‑tier WTA tournaments and global recognition.
In total, 23 international players from eight nations are competing for the $115,000 purse, reflecting the depth and diversity of today’s women’s tennis. Among the field are several highly accomplished and well‑known athletes, including Ashlyn Krueger, a top‑100 ranked American on the rise, and US Open champion Bianca Andreescu, who brings grand slam pedigree to Midland’s indoor hard courts.
Tournament play today features both qualifying rounds and the Round of 32 main‑draw matches, with several all‑American matchups highlighting the first day’s schedule.
A Community‑Centered Event
Beyond the on‑court competition, the Dow Tennis Classic has long prioritized community engagement and empowerment through sport. According to the tournament schedule, today’s activities include “Pros Visit Schools” programming, where professional players interact with local students, helping inspire a new generation of young athletes while emphasizing the values of athletic achievement, resilience, and personal growth.
Free daytime admission to qualifying rounds, supported by donations to local tennis scholarship funds, further reinforces the tournament’s commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and support of youth development.
For many local girls and boys, seeing elite athletes compete in person, and having the chance to meet them through outreach activities, creates powerful role models and opens their eyes to possibilities in sport and beyond.
Historic Firsts and Increased Visibility
The 2026 Dow Tennis Classic comes at a moment of growing visibility for women’s sports in North America. In a historic development for the tournament, the singles championship match this year will air live on the Tennis Channel, the first time this has occurred in the event’s history. This broadcast milestone elevates the profile of women’s tennis and earns greater exposure for the players and the competition among broader audiences.
With this increased exposure, fans who cannot attend in Midland can still tune in and support women’s professional tennis, a welcome expansion of access for sports enthusiasts, especially young women and girls looking for inspiration and representation at the highest levels.
Personal Stories: Triumph and Ambition
One of the most compelling personal narratives emerging from this year’s event centers on Savannah Matuszewski, a local Dow High School graduate and senior at Northwood University, who competed in her very first professional tennis match during qualifying play. Despite a loss in her opening match, Matuszewski described the experience as her “greatest tennis achievement,” underscoring the emotional significance of transitioning from a local hopeful to a professional competitor on a stage she once watched as a child.
Her story exemplifies how regional tournaments like the Dow Tennis Classic can spark lifelong ambition, build confidence, and accelerate personal growth, all while reinforcing the importance of education and balanced life goals, as she continues her academic pursuits alongside competitive athletics.
Why the Dow Tennis Classic Matters
For women’s sports and culture in the United States, events such as the Dow Tennis Classic are more than just athletic competitions. They represent:
- Professional opportunity: Players earn valuable ranking points, financial rewards, and visibility that can propel careers forward.
- Community engagement: Outreach programs encourage youth participation and promote healthy lifestyles.
- Inspiration and representation: Stories of perseverance, such as Matuszewski’s journey from hometown courts to professional matches, resonate with aspiring athletes and fans.
- Expanded visibility: Live television coverage and broader media attention help normalize and elevate women’s athletics in mainstream sports culture.
For women, whether athletes, parents, fans, or community members, the Dow Tennis Classic offers a blend of athletic excellence, personal stories, and empowerment. It illustrates how sport can serve as a platform for ambition, resilience, community building, and personal achievement.
As the 2026 edition unfolds throughout this week, the spotlight will remain not only on fierce competition but also on the broader impact of women’s professional sport and the values it champions.
