One of Houston’s most iconic neighborhoods will become the center of the tennis world. From March 28 – April 5, 2026, River Oaks Country Club will host the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship — an ATP 250 tournament that draws world-class players and thousands of fans to one of the city’s most prestigious addresses.
Whether you are a lifelong tennis fan or simply love experiencing Houston at its best, this is one spring event that captures everything great about this city. And if attending gets you thinking about what it would be like to live in River Oaks — Nan and Company Properties knows this market better than anyone.
The 2026 Player Field Is Stacked
This year’s tournament features some of the most exciting names in professional tennis. Here is who to watch:
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Ben Shelton — one of the most powerful servers on tour and a fan favorite
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Frances Tiafoe — high energy, high entertainment, with a fourth final in his sights
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Tommy Paul — returning to River Oaks where he has competed before
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Learner Tien — one of the most promising young American talents in the game
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Brandon Nakashima — a consistent and rising presence on the ATP circuit
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Reilly Opelka — six feet eleven inches of pure serving power back on the court
With four past champions in the doubles field and six former college players in qualifying, the competition runs deep from the very first match.
What to Expect at the Tournament
World-Class Tennis on Clay
The clay court surface slows the game down and opens it up — longer rallies, more strategy, and a style of play rarely seen on the American tennis calendar. Players who rely on power alone rarely dominate on clay — it rewards consistency, footwork, and the ability to construct a point from the ground up. For fans, that translates to longer rallies, more dramatic momentum shifts, and a style of play that is genuinely different from what most American tennis audiences see throughout the year.
River Oaks Country Club provides an intimate, upscale setting where fans can watch ATP-level tennis up close in a way that larger stadiums simply cannot offer. The U.S. clay court season is one of the shortest and most unique stretches on the ATP calendar, and Houston sits at the heart of it.
A Sophisticated Social Scene
The tournament is not just tennis. The Courtyard and hospitality areas create a social atmosphere that reflects the character of River Oaks itself — elevated, welcoming, and genuinely fun. Expect great food, great company, and the kind of event energy that brings Houston’s luxury community together.
Special Events Throughout the Week
Past tournaments have featured events like the Tootsies Fashion Show on the grounds — a perfect example of how this event brings together Houston’s lifestyle community in one place. This year's special events lineup includes:
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Clay Court Team Challenge — Youth tennis competition open to ages 7–18, held March 28–29 at River Oaks Country Club. Teams of 4 compete across Red, Orange, Green, and Yellow Ball divisions. Registration is $75 per team.
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Team Night — Coaches can bring their teams for an exclusive up-close experience of professional tennis, with discounted tickets to the opening night session of the Championship.
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The Tootsies Fashion Show — A fan-favorite annual event held on the grounds, bringing Houston's luxury fashion community together during tournament week.
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The Courtyard — A dedicated hospitality and social space on the grounds offering food, drinks, and an elevated atmosphere throughout the week.
Tips for Attending Like a Pro
1. Get Your Tickets Early
Popular sessions and finals weekend sell out. Purchase tickets in advance at mensclaycourt.com to avoid missing the matches that matter most.
2. Arrive Early and Explore the Grounds
River Oaks Country Club is beautiful. Arriving early allows time to walk the grounds, find seats, and soak in the atmosphere before the first serve. Gates open well before match time.
3. Make a Day of It in River Oaks
While in the neighborhood, take time to experience what makes River Oaks one of Houston’s most sought-after addresses. River Oaks District is minutes from the club and offers world-class dining and shopping before or after the match.
The Best Neighborhoods Attract the Best Events
There is a reason the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship calls River Oaks Country Club home. This is a neighborhood that has always attracted the best — world-class restaurants, premier private schools, iconic institutions, and events that draw visitors from across the country. That is not a coincidence. It is a reflection of where River Oaks stands among Houston’s most prestigious communities.
Nan and Company Properties is one of the most active real estate firms in River Oaks. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or simply understand what the market looks like right now, our team has the expertise and the relationships to deliver results. If attending the Clay Court Championship has you thinking about making River Oaks home, there is no better time to start the conversation.
Connect with Nan and Company Properties to explore what is available in River Oaks and across Houston’s most sought-after luxury neighborhoods.
