Citi Open: A Comprehensive Guide
Citi Open, also known as the Citi Open presented by United Therapeutics, is a premier international tennis tournament held annually in Washington D.C., USA. The event is part of the ATP World Tour and WTA International tournaments, attracting top players from around the world.History of Citi Open
The Citi Open has a rich history dating back to 1969, when it was first established as the Washington Star International. Over the years, the tournament has undergone several name changes, including the Legg Mason Tennis Classic and the Legg Mason Tennis Classic presented by Herberts. In 2008, the event was rebranded as the Citi Open after Citi became a major sponsor.
The Citi Open is held at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park, Washington D.C. The venue has undergone significant renovations to meet modern tournament standards, featuring 13 outdoor tennis courts and a state-of-the-art stadium with seating for over 7,500 spectators.
Tournament Format
The Citi Open features both men's and women's singles and doubles competitions. The men's draw is a part of the ATP World Tour 500 series, while the women's tournament is classified as a WTA International event. The competition typically takes place over seven days in late July or early August.
The tournament format includes:
- Singles: Round-robin group stage followed by knockout quarterfinals and semifinals
- Doubles: Traditional round-robin group stage with a final showdown between the top two teams in each group
Notable Players and Championships
The Citi Open has hosted some of the biggest names in tennis, including Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt, and Serena Williams. The tournament has also seen notable victories from local players like James Blake and Sloane Stephens.
The men's singles championship is currently held by Nick Kyrgios, who defeated Daniil Medvedev in the 2020 final. In women's doubles, the champions are Nicole Melichar and Xu Yifan, who won the