The tournament will also explore artificial intelligence through a panel of experts discussing its application in business and sport.
Valencia, July 10, 2026 – Valencia City Hall’s Crystal Hall hosted the presentation of the new edition of the BBVA Open Internacional de Valencia. The tournament, which celebrates its fifth year at the Sporting Club de Tenis, will take place from September 13 to 20.
The event brought together institutional representatives, sponsors and organizers, who highlighted the tournament’s sporting and social impact on the Valencian Community.
Valencia Mayor María José Catalá opened the event and described Anabel Medina as “a hallmark of quality for any event.” She added: “We are talking about a tournament that not only generates an economic return for the city, but also has a significant social impact thanks to its commitment to equality and inclusion.”
Sustainability will once again be one of the tournament’s defining features. It was the first tournament to fully offset its carbon footprint, in line with the values of its title sponsor. This commitment will be complemented by a focus on the responsible use of artificial intelligence, which will play a prominent role this year through a panel discussion featuring experts on its application in business and elite sport.
In this regard, José Manuel Mieres, BBVA’s Regional Director for Eastern Spain, reaffirmed the bank’s support for the tournament and what it has represented over the years: “Supporting talent, excellence and the ability to overcome challenges. At BBVA, we understand innovation, and artificial intelligence in particular, as a tool to expand capabilities, improve decision-making and create new opportunities, always with people at the centre. Technology can enhance talent, but it is effort, discipline and determination that truly make the difference.”
Joaquín Ríos, CEO of Tennium, then spoke about the tournament’s growth: “It has become both a national and international benchmark, something we clearly recognize as a company that organizes tournaments across Spain, Europe and Latin America.”
At the local level, the tournament received the backing of the leading sporting institutions. Miguel Selvi, President of the Sporting Club de Tenis, explained that in just five years, “we have gone from convincing our members to host an event of this magnitude to seeing the club’s children lining up to take part in it.”
Meanwhile, Paco Vicent, President of the Tennis Federation of the Valencian Community, highlighted that thanks to the BBVA Open Internacional de Valencia, “many of the girls who begin playing tennis with us now have the opportunity to aspire to a tangible goal, one that takes place in their own city and brings together some of the world’s best players.”
The event concluded with remarks from Anabel Medina, Tournament Director, who announced the main new features for the 2026 edition: “We are aiming to attract the strongest possible player field and, following the changes made to the WTA calendar in recent years, we believe these dates are ideal. We also want everyone who visits us to enjoy the best possible experience, which is why we have invested in improving the hospitality and leisure areas. In addition, we want to give back to the people of Valencia, and this year we will collaborate with the Valencia Food Bank.”
At the end of her speech, Medina formally invited Mayor María José Catalá onto the stage to unveil the tournament’s new official trophy together. The trophy has been handcrafted by master Fallas artist Erik Martínez. Standing beside the newly unveiled sculpture, Anabel Medina explained its meaning to the audience, detailing how the piece represents a Fallera, the ultimate symbol of Valencia’s rich cultural heritage. The presentation also featured the presence of Carmen Prades Gil, the Fallera Mayor of Valencia. Through this direct tribute to Valencian traditions and identity, the trophy uniquely reflects the tournament’s deep roots in the city’s social and cultural heritage.
The BBVA Open Internacional de Valencia will be held from September 13 to 20 and will further establish itself as the only WTA tournament in the history of the Valencian Community. The tournament will also offer a total prize purse of $115,000.
Tickets are now available at openinternacionalvalencia.com.
