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Top-level tennis returns to Estoril, and this time it comes with a major twist: for the first time, Portugal’s biggest tennis tournament is swapping the breeze – and occasional downpour – of spring for the heat of summer. For 35 years, the tournament belonged to April and May. Now, it shifts seasons to fit the ATP Tour’s post-Wimbledon calendar, without losing the essentials: clay courts, big names, Portuguese players in the main draw and that unmistakable Estoril atmosphere.
The move to July brings longer days, warmer temperatures, school holidays and, of course, the hope that "the weather gods will be in a better mood than last year", says tournament director João Zilhão, recalling a rain-soaked final and even a day without power during the blackout.
A summer-ready edition
In practical terms, the change means more shade, more comfort, more seats on Court Cascais and a programme designed to turn the tournament into a full-day outing. The singles semi-finals and final are also moving with the summer rhythm, starting later, at 5.30pm, on Saturday and Sunday. The Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night sessions remain.
Who is playing
On court, the line-up has serious weight. The entry list includes seven top-40 players and several names used to the biggest stages, among them Casper Ruud, Andrey Rublev, Luciano Darderi, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Alejandro Tabilo, Matteo Arnaldi and Alexander Blockx. There are also familiar faces for Portuguese fans, including Hubert Hurkacz, Estoril champion in 2024, Pablo Carreño-Busta, winner in 2017, and Casper Ruud, who lifted the trophy in 2023.
This year’s edition also has one very special name: Stan Wawrinka. The Swiss player, former world number three and three-time Grand Slam champion, has received a wild card from the organisers in what will be his farewell year on the circuit.
On the Portuguese side, there are plenty of reasons to pay attention. Nuno Borges, the current national number one, goes straight into the main draw. Jaime Faria, who returned to the top 100 after a strong run at Roland-Garros, has received a wild card. Other Portuguese players may still try their luck through qualifying or invitations from the organisers.
More than tennis
Anyone who goes to the Estoril Open knows the tennis is only part of the experience. This year, the venue wants to be even better prepared to welcome the more than 43,000 spectators expected, with more entertainment areas, brand activations, crowd animation and new ways to keep up with everything happening on site. The Smash Area returns with activations and entertainment, while younger visitors will have dedicated spaces such as the Kids’ Place and the Fun Center, the latter run by the Portuguese Tennis Federation. At the Espaço Cascais, there will also be a children’s traffic school.
In other words, yes, there will be tennis – obviously – but there will also be eating, wandering, discovering, joining in and staying longer than planned.
Food, chefs and summer on a plate
There is news for those who take the food side of things as seriously as the tie-break. The Food Court will feature more than 14 brands, from burgers and tacos to ice cream, cocktails and other proposals designed for this year’s edition. The Slice Lounge, in a reserved-access area, will host a special programme with ten Michelin-starred chefs, in partnership with Casa Marquês.
Tickets are going fast
Anyone thinking of going should probably not leave it until the night before. Most tickets have already been sold, and several sessions are sold out, including the first two days and the final stretch of the tournament. For those who do not manage to secure a seat at Clube de Ténis do Estoril, there will be broadcasts across several platforms. Eurosport will show the semi-finals and final, while TVI Player, HBO Max and Tennis TV will cover every match on Estádio Millennium. The singles final will also be broadcast live on CNN Portugal and Eurosport.
The Estoril Open is back, then, with a new date, new timings and even more reasons to drop by.
Estoril Tennis Club. 18–26 July. €15–€120