<p>A simple variable load case involving tension after compression was designed to assess the tensile load-bearing capacity of open-hole laminates with compression damage (OHLCD), through a combination of experiments and numerical analysis. Compressive tests were conducted on open-hole laminates to induce compressive damage, and thermal de-ply technology was employed to assess the extent of this damage. Subsequently, tensile tests were performed on OHLCD specimens, and the evolution of damage was monitored using digital image correlation (DIC). A finite element model incorporating cohesive zone method and LaRC failure criteria was developed to elucidate the tensile mechanical behavior of OHLCD. Experimental results indicate that the primary forms of damage induced by compressive load in open-hole laminates are matrix cracks and delamination, which significantly diminish the tensile bearing capacity. The developed numerical model demonstrates high accuracy in predicting the tensile bearing capacity and damage modes of open-hole laminates with compressive damage. The compressive damage may not exert an influence on the delamination damage mode during subsequent tensile loads; however, it does significantly impact the in-plane damage evolution. The compressive damage may not influence the delamination damage mode during subsequent tensile loads, but it does have a significant impact on in-plane damage evolution. It is necessary to study the effects of variable loads on the design and damage tolerance definition of open-hole composite structures.</p>