WTA makes it's return to Washington with combined event this summer with the Citi Open

The city of Washington will play host to a combined event this summer, hosting the Citi Open Washington tournament that will feature competition from both the WTA and ATP.

The Citi Open tournament is one of only five combined tour events in the country, and will be held July 30 through Aug. 7 at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. The revived WTA 250 event will celebrate its 10th edition this summer with a stacked field, featuring 32 singles competitors, 16 doubles teams and 16 qualifiers.

The inaugural tournament was staged in 2011 at College Park, MD and moved venues to Washington in 2012. Past champions include Jessica Pegula, Sloane Stephens and the doubles team of Coco Gauff and Caty McNally.

“Our Washington, D.C. community has embraced professional women’s tennis since World TeamTennis first came here in 2008 and the Citi Open tournament hosted its first WTA event in 2011,” said Mark Ein, Citi Open Chairman. “Our city and event attendees are avid women’s tennis fans, and tennis, uniquely among pro sports, showcases both genders on its biggest stages.

"Presenting a combined tournament with men’s and women’s players has always been the goal for the Citi Open. For the past two years, we have worked tirelessly to bring the Hologic WTA Tour back to our event and we are thrilled to announce both its return to D.C. this summer, as well as another big pro tournament coming back to the United States.”

With the aim of supporting women’s tennis, MDE Sports (who obtained the rights to the Citi Open tournament) has guaranteed the game thrives in the U.S. and will provide an opportunity for Washington’s large base of tennis fans to enjoy women’s tennis with a combined event.

“I am delighted the Citi Open is returning to the WTA tennis calendar this summer,” said Steve Simon, WTA Chairman and CEO. “The tournament and the Washington community have a rich history on the Hologic WTA Tour, with many of the game’s biggest names gracing the courts in previous editions in the nation’s capital.

"I am grateful to the tournament organizers for their support and for providing the world’s best women's tennis players the opportunity to showcase their talent.”