Local tennis fans coming off the high of Wimbledon are in luck, as one of the most star-studded D.C.-area tennis events will begin in Rock Creek Park this weekend and continue through Aug. 6.
Formerly known as the Citi Open, the tournament is now called the Mubadala Citi Open following a merger between the D.C. event and the Silicon Valley Classic. The event takes its new name — somewhat controversially — from an Abu Dhabi-based investment firm that sponsored the tournament in San Jose.
D.C.’s hard-court classic, the second-oldest pro tennis tournament in the U.S. that traces its origins back to tennis legend Arthur Ashe, will now feature higher-ranked athletes in its annual women’s tournament.
That means fans will see big names like Coco Gauff, Nick Kyrgios, and Hyattsville-native Frances Tiafoe. Venture capitalist Mark Ein, who chairs the tournament, says 18 of the top 30 players in the world are set to play at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center over the next two weeks.
“It is, for sure, the deepest and strongest player field we’ve ever had, and that’s been a real objective of ours since we took over in 2019. The tournament used to focus on one or two big names and then [we’d] just fill it out,” Ein says. “It’s been growing every year, and now with this higher-level women’s event, it’s taken [it] to a completely different level.”
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Here’s the rundown:
The tickets: Those hoping to get the most out of the tournament should consider looking at all ticket options, which start at $15 for the outer-court sessions and get pricier with higher-stakes matches. The side courts offer close-to-the-action access to some of the world’s best tennis players, what Ein calls “a hallmark of the tournament.”
Where it’s played: The event is still played at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, a decades-old facility that has undergone significant renovations over the years. Despite its age, Ein says that the plan is to keep the tournament there for the “foreseeable future.”
Who’s playing: The full schedule with specific player matchups — called a “draw” — won’t be released until close to the opening match, but attendees can find the page where the schedule will be updated here. You can, however, see a full list of the competing players on the tournament website.
The concessions: Attendees should expect a full plate, beyond the tennis offerings. The vendors have improved significantly over past years, per Ein. Michelin-star chefs José Andrés, Patrick O’Connell, Michael Mina, and Nick Stefanelli have curated stadium-friendly delicacies for the event, such as O’Connell’s truffled popcorn. Locals will recognize familiar options like Duke’s Grocery, Roaming Rooster, and King Street Oyster Bar.
Beyond the matches: Citi also hosts a major chef event series, Taste of Tennis, at various locations throughout the year, one of which takes place during the Mubadala Citi Open. No. 3-ranked WTA star Jessica Pegula is scheduled to attend and it will feature dishes from headliner Kevin Tien, of the recently closed Moon Rabbit, among other celebrity chefs.
Saturday, July 29, will be kids’ day at the tournament, with tennis drills, temporary tattoos, and dancing water fountains to keep little ones cool — though, no one would blame grownups for dipping a limb or two in the water on what’s slated to be a scorching weekend.
The charitable connection: The tournament supports the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation (WTEF) which provides athletic and academic assistance to lower-income children, particularly in Wards 5, 6, and 7.
Elliot C. Williams
Matt Blitz