A ‘world-class’ tennis tournament is coming to Bradenton. Here’s what to know
The Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open returns April 5-12, with opportunities to see future tennis stars — but at a new home.
The annual ATP Challenger Tour tournament has moved to IMG Academy in Bradenton, and tickets are on sale. Some former champions and participants have become top-ranked ATP Tour players competing at Grand Slam events.
Francis Tiafoe, who won the tournament in 2017, is ranked No. 22 in the world, while 2014 champion Nick Kyrgios, 2012 champion Sam Querrey, 2011 champion James Blake and 2010 champion Kei Nishikori reached top-15 world ranking status.
“I am absolutely thrilled that the Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open has found its new home at IMG Academy,” Elizabeth Moore, title sponsor of the tournament, said in a news release. “IMG Academy represents excellence in student-athlete development, and bringing world-class ATP Challenger tennis to these courts is incredibly exciting for our tournament, players and fans.”
Tickets range in price. Covered grandstand tickets are $15-$75 per day or $300 for a weekly pass. VIP Experience tickets are $95-$195 per day or $1,088 for a weekly pass.
The covered grandstand tickets get access to all match courts with open seating in a covered grandstand on the north and south sides of the stadium court. There are no reserved seats. Children ages 5 and younger are free.
VIP Experience tickets give access to a hospitality lounge featuring full bar service, live match streaming and catering from local restaurants such as Classico and the Rose & Ivy. VIP ticket holders can also choose their seat with a first-come, first-served courtside table or in the first two rows of grandstand seating.
“The Sarasota Open has built a strong reputation for showcasing the next wave of professional tennis talent, and hosting the tournament at IMG Academy is a natural fit given the deep tennis roots in the Sarasota and Bradenton region,” IMG Academy tennis director Juan Herrera said in a news release. “This area has long been a hub for the sport, and we’re excited to welcome both rising American professionals and seasoned ATP Tour players to our campus.”
The tournament features draws for men’s singles and doubles. Players for the 2026 tournament have not been announced.
Last year’s tournament was held at the Sarasota Sports Club. Some past venues include The Longboat Key Club, Lakewood Ranch Tennis & Athletic Center, Sarasota’s Payne Park and Bradenton’s United Tennis Center.
The year Tiafoe won, in 2017, the tournament went viral when loud sex noises from a nearby residence interrupted Tiafoe’s early-round match against Mitchel Krueger.
For more information on tickets and parking, visit www.SarasotaOpen.com
