Overview
- Stearns defeated Townsend 7-6 (10-8), 7-5, saving three set points in a tense first-set tiebreak to close out the championship in Austin.
- The title comes as Stearns settles into a new coaching setup with Robert Ortega and assistant Eric Ferguson after moving on from her previous coach amid reported complaints to the WTA.
- Five straight wins in Austin lifted Stearns from No. 68 back into the top 50, giving her momentum heading into Indian Wells.
- On court after the final, Stearns praised Townsend’s week and the players shared an embrace.
- Townsend rebounded to win the doubles title with Storm Hunter 6-3, 6-4, marking the American’s 12th WTA doubles crown before turning to Indian Wells qualifying.