D.C.’s annual professional tennis tournament is back. Here’s your comprehensive guide on how to make the most of it.
Wait, D.C. Has a Pro Tennis Tournament?
The rumors are true! The D.C. Open has been played at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center since 1969 (a location tennis legend Arthur Ashe, who started the tournament, advocated for). Players from all over the world will come to compete in the hard court tournament, and thousands of spectators will be there to watch. The action starts with qualifying matches this Saturday, and goes through Sunday, August 4.
How You Can Get Tickets
The Citi Open website (or in-person box office) has you covered. You can buy a pass for the entire tournament, but if you’re a casual spectator, a single session ticket is a good bet. Those range in price from $25 ($15 during qualifiers) in the general section to $600 for a courtside “dream seat” at the championship match on Aug. 4. The good news is that the stadium is relatively cozy, with a capacity of about 7,500, so there’s really not a bad seat in the house. Any ticket gives you access to any and all matches happening on outer courts (such as practice sessions or smaller matches), where seating is first come first served.
A Note on Transportation
Parking can get tricky, as the Rock Creek Tennis Center is not equipped to handle vehicles for thousands of spectators. In years past, even folks with parking passes were turned away because lots were full. This year there will be free parking at the GEICO headquarters in Friendship Heights, a 10-20 minute free shuttle ride from the stadium. For rideshare users, there is a designated drop off area (and a discount on your first two Lyft rides with the code CITIOPEN). Also new this year is a free bike valet service—another option for beating traffic and crowded parking lots.
Coco Will Be There!
Yes! Cori “Coco” Gauff is coming to the Citi Open. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because the 15-year-old American made a big splash at Wimbledon a few weeks ago. She was the youngest woman playing in this year’s tournament, and beat Venus Williams (!) in the first round. She made it to the 4th round—a huge feat—and has set her sights on the U.S. Open, which begins August 26. The Citi Open would help her stay sharp, but she’ll have to secure a spot in the qualifying round first, and then win her match that round. Keep an eye out this Saturday and Sunday for updates on if and when Coco will be playing.
Other Players to Watch For
Gauff isn’t the only big name athlete who will be in the District this weekend. The highest-ranked American man and woman, John Isner and Sloane Stephens, will compete. Tennis’ resident “bad boy,” Australian Nick Kyrgios, is also set to play. And don’t forget about hometown hero Frances Tiafoe, whose ATP world ranking is 41 and who was born in Hyattsville and lives in D.C.
Doubles are Big Deal This Year
As new Citi Open owner Mark Ein told the New York Times shortly after acquiring the tournament in April, “Since we took over, thinking about highlighting doubles and creating compelling teams to come together has been a focus of ours.” Former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray will play alongside his brother, Jamie, and fan favorites Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas are teaming up as well. There’s even rumblings of adding mixed doubles next year, an event usually reserved for Grand Slams.
These Aren’t Your Average Concessions
If you’ve never been to a pro tennis match, it is QUIET in there. Like, side-eye-if-you-talk-to-your-neighbor quiet. But right outside the stadium is where you’ll find the chatter … and the food trucks. Celebrity chef José Andrés has gotten involved in the culinary spread with three of his food properties. His critically acclaimed food truck, Pepe, will be serving Spanish sandwiches; the fast-casual brand Beefsteak will offer plant-based options; and you can grab tacos and tortas from Butterfly. Other D.C. staples, including Compass Coffee, Shake Shack, Dolcezza Gelato, and Ice Cream Jubilee, will also be available. There’s an outdoor beer garden nearby, along with a sangria bar and a terrace dedicated to frosé. Coolers, picnic baskets, water jugs, cans, or glass bottles are not allowed in the stadium.
About Bringing Kids
Children are welcome at the tournament, but heads up: Anyone over 2 needs a ticket (anyone who’s not sitting in a lap, that is), and kids should be able to sit quietly for short stretches at a time. As with most sporting events, concessions are pretty kid friendly – it’s tough to go wrong with pizza and ice cream. Teenagers might be inspired by their favorite players, but also by the ballpeople, many of whom are young and have to audition to get a spot fetching balls during Citi Open matches. (FYI: July 28 will feature a Citi Open Kid’s Day, but registration has filled up.)
Bonus Events
Citi is hosting a a Taste of Tennis party at The Hamilton, with big-name athletes like Isner, Stephens, and Tiafoe, on the guest list. D.C. chefs, including Erik Bruner-Yang of Spoken English and Jerome Grant of Sweet Home Cafe at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, will whip up dishes. Tickets are a cool $200.
This story has been updated to correct the star players who will compete at the Citi Open.
