The expanded programme not only strengthens South Africa’s footprint on the global tennis map, but also reinforces TSA’s focus on creating meaningful pathways for local players while deepening strategic partnerships across the country.

A familiar and successful collaboration with WIPHOLD, will once again take centre stage in Pretoria. For the fourth consecutive year, the WIPHOLD International Series will feature two weeks of combined back-to-back men’s and women’s events, with the first tournament getting under way on 13 April 2026, followed by week two on 20 April. The Pretoria leg has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the South African tennis calendar, consistently attracting strong international fields and providing invaluable opportunities for local talent.

Winners of the 2025 WIPHOLD International. Photo: TSA

From the capital, the tour will move east for an exciting new chapter, with Mpumalanga set to host its first-ever ITF World Tennis Tour events. The inaugural Mbombela Open Global Series will comprise two weeks of combined tournaments, starting on 27 April and 4 May 2026 respectively. The addition of Mbombela marks a significant geographical expansion of the tour and brings world-class tennis to a new audience.

Later in the season, TSA will continue its successful partnership with Curro Holdings, which will host six weeks of competition in Hillcrest. Now in its third consecutive year, the Curro series will run over three blocks starting on 29 June, 6 July and 13 July 2026, further cementing KwaZulu-Natal’s role as a key hub for professional tennis in the country.

As part of the ITF World Tennis Tour, these tournaments play a critical role in bridging the gap between junior and elite professional tennis. The events are expected to attract a competitive blend of South Africa’s top juniors, emerging local professionals and international players from across Africa and beyond, ensuring high-quality competition and vital ranking opportunities.

A Bloemhof player during the annual Amanda Coetzer Tennis Tournament in Bloemfontein. Photo: Morgan Piek

TSA General Manager Anthony Moruthane highlighted the broader impact of the expanded calendar.

“These tournaments are more than just events; they are pathways for our players to progress from junior tennis into the professional ranks,” said Moruthane. 

“Hosting 14 weeks of ITF World Tennis Tour competition in 2026 gives South African players the opportunity to test themselves against international opposition at home, while earning valuable ranking points and experience.”

Moruthane also paid tribute to TSA’s partners for their continued support. “We are grateful to WIPHOLD, Curro Holdings, and our new partners in Mbombela for believing in our vision and helping us create opportunities that will elevate South African tennis to new heights.”

A Waterkloof player during the annual Amanda Coetzer Tennis Tournament in Bloemfontein. Photo: Morgan Piek

Tennis Base Legacy Director Sabelo Mathebula echoed the excitement around the Nelspruit addition.

“We are thrilled to be part of the World Tennis Tour and to welcome players from across the globe to Mpumalanga,” said Mathebula. 

“The Mbombela Open Global Series will not only showcase world-class tennis, but also shine a spotlight on the province’s rich tourism offering and unique strengths.

“Positioned to become the ‘Greatest Tennis Experience in Africa’, this event is made possible through strong collaboration with Tennis South Africa and Mpumalanga Tennis. It marks the start of even greater opportunities for our province, both in growing the sport and preparing the next generation of players.”

ITF World Tennis Tour Events – 2026
 • 13 April 2026 – WIPHOLD (Week 1) – M15/W15
 • 20 April 2026 – WIPHOLD (Week 2) – M15/W15
 • 27 April 2026 – Nelspruit (Week 1) – M15/W15
 • 4 May 2026 – Nelspruit (Week 2) – M15/W15
 • 29 June 2026 – Durban (Week 1) – M15/W15
 • 6 July 2026 – Durban (Week 2) – M25/W15
 • 13 July 2026 – Durban (Week 3) – M15/W35

With an expanded footprint, new destinations and trusted partners, South Africa’s 2026 ITF World Tennis Tour season promises to be one of the most significant yet for the growth of the professional game in the country.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek