Lexus Eastbourne Open

The Lexus Eastbourne Open is an annual tennis tournament held at Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club in Eastbourne, United Kingdom. Taking place the week before Wimbledon, it features ATP, WTA, and wheelchair events on outdoor grass courts, drawing top players as they prepare for the Grand Slam season.

• Held annually on grass courts at Devonshire Park, Eastbourne
• Features ATP, WTA, and wheelchair tennis events
• Serves as a key warm-up for Wimbledon
• Wheelchair tennis introduced in 2022 and expanded in 2024
• Celebrated the 50th anniversary of wheelchair tennis in 2026

What it is

The Lexus Eastbourne Open is a major stop on the international tennis calendar, bringing together men’s, women’s, and wheelchair players for a week of competition on the English south coast. Played on grass courts, it is widely seen as the final warm-up before Wimbledon, attracting both rising stars and established champions. The tournament is known for its friendly atmosphere and seaside setting, offering fans a close-up view of world-class tennis in a relaxed environment. For players, it provides a crucial opportunity to adapt to grass and fine-tune their game ahead of the sport’s most prestigious event.

Where it comes from

Founded in 1974 as a women’s tournament, the Eastbourne event has evolved over the decades. It became a combined men’s and women’s competition in 2009, replacing the Nottingham Open for several years. After some changes in location and format, Eastbourne resumed its joint status in 2017. The tournament has seen a series of sponsors and has adapted to changes in the tennis calendar, maintaining its place as a key fixture in the lead-up to Wimbledon. In recent years, it has expanded to include wheelchair tennis, marking significant milestones such as the 50th anniversary of wheelchair tennis in 2026.

How it is celebrated

During tournament week, the Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club buzzes with matches across singles, doubles, and wheelchair draws. Spectators can watch ATP and WTA professionals, as well as top wheelchair athletes, compete on the grass. The event often features induction ceremonies and exhibitions, especially for milestones like the 50th anniversary of wheelchair tennis. Fans enjoy the chance to see players up close, with opportunities for autographs and photos. The seaside location adds to the experience, with visitors often combining tennis with strolls along Eastbourne’s promenade and sampling local fare. The atmosphere is lively yet welcoming, making it a highlight of the British summer sports season.

Joining in

Visitors can attend the Lexus Eastbourne Open at Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club in Eastbourne, where tickets are available for individual days or the full week. The main draws usually start in late June, just before Wimbledon, and the venue is easily accessible from the town centre and seafront. Expect a friendly crowd, open practice sessions, and a chance to explore Eastbourne’s coastal charm alongside top-level tennis. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or a newcomer, the tournament offers an inviting and memorable experience.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Eastbourne International, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Eastbourne International on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.