As the Delray Beach Open returns for its 2026 edition right here in the Sunshine State, this year’s tournament is shaping up to be groundbreaking. From legendary showdowns to milestone achievements and one of the deepest fields ever assembled in Delray, here are five key storylines Florida Tennis readers should have on their radar this week.
1) Tennis Legends on Tap…and Overflowing
The 17th annual DBO Legends event kicks off with a bang on Friday night. Leading off are former Delray Beach Open singles champions Tommy Haas and Jan-Michael Gambill taking on 1993 French Open doubles winners Luke and Murphy Jensen.
Above: Juan Martin del Potro with the Baron Family. Source: Delray Beach Open.
That’s followed by 2009 US Open and 2011 Delray Beach Open singles champion Juan Martin del Potro with University of Florida legend and local pro to the stars Jesse Levine taking on newly minted Hall-of-Famers and six-time DBO doubles champs Bob and Mike Bryan.
2) Just Back From Davis Cup
Legend Bob Bryan is the current captain of the US Davis Cup team with Mike Bryan as coach. They’ve just returned from Hungary where the US defeated the host country 4-0 last weekend in the first round of qualifiers.
Above: The Bryan Brothers. Source: Delray Beach Open.
Three Delray Beach Open ATP players were on the squad — Tommy Paul, Ethan Quinn and Austin Krajicek.
3) Inaugural Window Decor Competition in Downtown Delray Beach
The Delray Beach Open and the Downtown Development Authority have joined forces for a tennis-themed window decor contest among downtown businesses called “Love at First Sight”, a nod to the love score in tennis and Valentine’s Day.
Above: Love Shack’s window display. Source: Downtown Delray Beach.
The public gets to vote for the winner by using a QR code in each business’ window, with the winner announced on Stadium Court on Wednesday, Feb. 18.
4) Cilic Earns 600th Win and a Wild Card
Earlier this week in Dallas, 2014 US Open and Delray Beach Open champion Marin Cilic won his 600th ATP match to join Novak Djokovic as the only active players to cross that milestone.
Above: Marin Cilic. Photo credit: Carine06 from UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
He also earned a wild card into the Delray Beach Open to make his first appearance here since winning 12 years ago.
5) Strongest DBO Field Ever
With eight of the world’s top 30 players entered, the 2026 Delray Beach Open features its strongest field in the 34-year history of the event. This is after the withdrawal of No. 26 Cameron Norrie.
For more reporting on the Delray Beach Open, check out additional content from Florida Tennis on Facebook , YouTube, and Instagram. And be sure to visit DelrayBeachOpen.com or call 561-330-6000 for tickets and more information.
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Source: Delray Beach Open. Photo credit (top): Maurcio Paiz.
