Citi Open in DC - a new fan's perspective

by: Jeamine Yoo (guest blogger and WTA consultant / DC tennis fan)

The Citi Opens

Shuttleloads of excited tennis fans were deposited outside William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center grounds Saturday morning, myself included. Today was the first day of the Citi Open and my first foray into viewing professional tennis and anticipation was high.

History of DC's Pro Tennis Tournament

The Citi Open is one of 12 ATP (Association of Tennis Players) World and WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) Tour tournaments leading up to the US Open in New York. Players win points according to their results in each of the tournaments, with more points given to ATP World Masters 1000 and WTA Premier events. The Citi Open is a part of the ATP World Tour 500 series and on the third tier of the tournament, after the US Open and ATP World Masters 1000. It has gone through several changes since its inception in 1969 when it was called the Washington Star International - then more recently the Legg Mason Classic. The main update being men’s and women’s events merging to a joint tournament in 2012. 

Experiencing Summer Tennis at Rock Creek Park

The games today and tomorrow were and will be the qualifying rounds where 20 men compete for 6 spots in the main draw; and 16 women compete for 4 spots, including one woman that’s garnered my admiration, young up-and-comer, Taylor Townsend.

The qualifying games were quick—the best of three sets clinched the win. Men’s games were earlier in the day, followed by ladies’ matches, and the evening closed with doubles play.

The setup of the games was pleasantly accessible to viewers. The periphery courts—Grandstands 1 & 2, Courts 1 & 2, and the player practice courts—allowed spectators to come intimately close to the games and players, allowing tennis enthusiasts unrivaled views of the players’ choice of strokes and strategy.

As a recreational tennis player, I appreciated the close views and enjoyed the opportunity to wander from game to game in order to soak up the entire event holistically.

In addition to the accessible games, the community and family-oriented feel of the park was due in part to the distribution of 3,000 complimentary tickets, as well as the tennis clinics held for children and the multitude of colorful vendors handing out their wares and product information. The Citi Open is great at attracting varying levels of tennis fans by hosting special events throughout the tournament, whether it’s a Grand Marnier sponsored Happy Hour or a women’s tennis clinic, there are many activities to participate in between matches.

Friendly Venue for even casual sport fans

For all out there who haven’t attended or have been hesitant to go, try something new! Tickets are still on sale and can be purchased here. The matches are guaranteed to be exciting; pro players can be found strolling throughout the park and are friendly and engaging to fans.

A few tips for first-time visitors:

• Parking on the field ($10) is limited, so metro into Van Ness and take the shuttle—it’s seamless, convenient, and runs about every 15 minutes.
• Once inside, find the info booth and acquire a map of the venue
• Acquaint yourself with the day's Schedule of Play so you can plan your outing according to your player preferences.
• Do float around and soak it all in!
• Remember to bring and liberally apply sunscreen as most courts have no shade.

Stay tuned for highlights and predictions, but first, go buy your tickets!

Why you need to visit DC's Citi Open (Sept 26 - Aug 3)

Washington DC's Citi Open - 2014 US Open Series

by: Nik Subramanian (guest blogger and ATP consultant/expert)

It’s hard to believe we are halfway through the summer already and just 6 weeks away from the US Open in NYC. The good news is that the last week of July in Washington, D.C. means great professional tennis action at the Citi Open in Rock Creek Park.

The players’ list is packed with young and upcoming talent like Kei Nishikori, Milos Raonic, Grigor Dimitrov, Vasek Pospisil, Genie Bouchard, and others. So let’s dive right into the players you'll want to watch this year.

The Citi Open promises a lot of great matches with the top ATP players competing for the prize. If you haven't done so, grab your tickets, we'll see you there.

TIP: Use Promo Code: TENNISBARGAIN and get 25% OFF (valid for most sessions)

The Next Generation of Stars: 3 ATP Young Guns to Watch

The three guys who most agree represent the next generation of top 5 tennis players are all in the Citi Open this year. Kei Nishikori, Milos Raonic, and Grigor Dimitrov have each had breakthroughs in 2014.

Kei Nishikori (Japan)
Kei Nishikori reached a career high ranking of 9 at the end of last year. Despite some injury worries, I expect he'll finish the year in the top 10 if he stays healthy. Kei is speedy, has amazing groundstrokes, a great return, and is fun to watch. He's as no-nonsense on the court as they come and Coach Michael Chang has been trying to pass on his killer instinct and set higher goals for Kei this year. If he ends up playing on one of the side courts, be sure to watch Kei’s nimble footwork together with his amazing balance and core strength. It’s not as easy as he makes it look!

Milos Raonic (Canada)
Despite an ankle injury early in the year, Milos reached a career high ranking of number 6 in the world and is currently ranked 7. He's put up solid results in the Slams and Masters 1000's - his first Grand Slam QF at Roland Garros (l. to Djokovic), a first Grand Slam semi at Wimbledon, (l. to Federer), QFs in Indian Wells, Rome, and SFs in Monte Carlo. The consensus in the locker room is that Milos has the best serve on tour right now. While I doubt we'll see Milos attempt his 155mph serve, watch him with a seat behind the player's baseline to admire the variety of his serves (slice, kicker, flat) with pretty much the same ball toss. The weakest part of his game right now is his return, so look for that shot to improve as he works out the kinks with Coach Ivan Ljubicic.

Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria)
If you hear a bunch of screaming, hysteric teenage girls around the practice courts, you've probably stumbled onto one of Grigor Dimitrov's practice sessions. Grigor was already somewhat of a celebrity in 2013, but after teaming up with his super coach, Roger Rasheed, last year, Grigor is fitter, stronger, and extremely motivated to get to the top of men's tennis. Grigor's always had the talent to burn, but he's found a way to channel it and I expect he's going to have a great 2014. He's just broken into the top 10 this month, following an SF showing at Wimbledon (l. to Djokovic in 4 close sets), QFs at the Australian (l. to Nadal in 4 close sets) and has a won a title on all three surfaces in 2014. I'd be shocked if Grigor does not make it to the year-end finals this year and be part of or finish near the top 5. Watch Dimitrov from any seat in the stadium, look out for his precise first serve and his use of speed offensively to win points. You’ll find Grigor is an all-around crowd charmer and will throw in a trick shot and a tweener every now and then.

Early Predictions and Dark Horses

Citi Open: Round of 16 Wed/Thurs Preview

Wednesday Preview

Tuesday was a fun filled night, see clips of the action here. If you get to the tournament site in the early afternoon, head over straight to Court 1 where Radek Stepanek takes on Michael Llodra. These are two of a dying breed - serve and volleyers (what's that you ask?). Right next door on Court 2, take a peek at the doubles action with former UVA alum Treat Huey and the booming serve of 6 ft 5, Domnic Inglot.

Rain Delays
Wednesday was only a half day because of the rainouts - therefore the play is "stacked" for extra action on Thursday. Check out this article on how to deal with rain delays at tennis events, and how to get a good deal from it!

Thursday Double-Headers

Thursday promises to be another action packed day with top seeds Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro, Tommy Haas and John Isner all taking the court. They may possibly have to play double-headers (back to back matches). Let's look at some of the best matches and courts to check out today.

First up is Juan Martin Del Potro taking on Ryan Harrison. This is JMDP's first match after his incredible Wimbledon semi so expect some early rust, while Harrison is confident after a straight set victory over former US Open champ Lleyton Hewitt yesterday. There should plenty of entertainment in this one.



Tommy Haas will be action on Center court taking on Tim Smyczek to finish their 3rd set. Smyczek is a crafty all court counter puncher but expect Haas to get through in straights despite coming back after a bit of a summer break. At the same time on the Grandstand, you can hop over to Melanie Oudin and Angelique Kerber.

At the same time if you want to get a first-come-first serve seating up front on Grandstand, you'll want to catch at least the first set of Jack Sock taking on Top 20 Japanese star Kei Nishikori. Sock's got impressive power and he'll have to stay consistent to outmatch Nishikori. Kei moves like the wind and uses his core strength to hit incredible ground strokes on the run. I'm going with Kei in 3 sets but this should be a fun encounter.

So dont wait folks, make sure you get your tickets here or head on over to Rock Creek Park and we'll see you there .