Citi Open 2021

innoVAShaun

G.O.A.T.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/spor...-capacity-after-tournament-was-canceled-2020/

-Open to 50% capacity due to the parks regulations
-Tickets go on sale Friday 6/11/21.
-The WTA Tour will NOT make a stop there. There are talks about holding some sort of an exhibition or format outside of the WTA.
-Automatic Hawk-Eye Live line calling.
-Still serving food and beverages.

There are also concerns about this tournament immediately following the Olympics.
 
Last edited:

innoVAShaun

G.O.A.T.
209886124_5643688875701844_7221299369518636021_n.jpg
 
Hi all. I'm going to the Citi Open on 8/8 and I've been trying to get some info on the venue. I'm just looking for a basic map of the layout of the center and/or the nearby area within the park. I've looked everywhere I could think of and messages Rock Park and tried the Citi website but no luck. Any info is greatly appreciated.
 

McLovin

Legend
Hi all. I'm going to the Citi Open on 8/8 and I've been trying to get some info on the venue. I'm just looking for a basic map of the layout of the center and/or the nearby area within the park. I've looked everywhere I could think of and messages Rock Park and tried the Citi website but no luck. Any info is greatly appreciated.
Google maps shows you a good layout of the center:

I typed out this nice long description of the grounds, then realized you're only going for the finals. Not sure what you're looking for as the only court in use will be Stadium court. Parking is normally available on the soccer field for the final day. If going during the week, you either have to get there early, or park offsite and take a shuttle to the grounds (or try to find parking on the side streets...good luck w/ that).
 
Aww you should have keep the long reply. I might go again next year for more than just the final day. So, I guess it shouldn't be hard to find the big court. I wish I had planned for Saturday too so I could see some others play. My ideal hope is that Rafa is in the final. He's who I want to see the most. I wanted to get an idea of the distances from parking, the designated drop off spots, etc. Thanks for the Google link. I did try there but must not have looked well enough. I'll look again. Thank you very much for the reply. I think we are going to get a Lyft from the hotel to avoid any stress about finding parking.
 

McLovin

Legend
Aww you should have keep the long reply. I might go again next year for more than just the final day. So, I guess it shouldn't be hard to find the big court. I wish I had planned for Saturday too so I could see some others play. My ideal hope is that Rafa is in the final. He's who I want to see the most. I wanted to get an idea of the distances from parking, the designated drop off spots, etc. Thanks for the Google link. I did try there but must not have looked well enough. I'll look again. Thank you very much for the reply. I think we are going to get a Lyft from the hotel to avoid any stress about finding parking.
Well, I'll resurrect my info...

Referencing the Google maps link I posted, the bank of 3 courts at the top are normally combined into a single court (I believe it's labeled as Grandstand). The single courts to the left & right are practice courts, as is the bank of 4 in the lower right, below the clay courts.

The bubble area at the bottom is another bank of 5 courts, but they only play on 3 of them, using courts 2 & 4 for seating. The one in the middle is normally the bigger of the 3 as far as seating.

Other than the lower levels of Stadium, all seating is pretty much open (i.e., first come, first served). If you go during the week, you can normally 'sneak' into the lower levels during the evening session. Two years ago I was basically courtside for Kyrgios' first round match. We were constantly on TV as his personal box was 2 down from us, so he'd go over & chat w/ them and the camera would follow...

Food & drink is expensive, as you'd imagine. Last year I think I paid $9 for a Stella (It was $8 for a Budweiser, and if I'm spending that much for a beer, I may was well get something halfway decent).

The "best" days to go are normally Tuesday and Wednesday. That is when there are plenty of good matches on the outside courts, along w/ some of the seeds playing. I remember years ago watching a "then little known 17 yr old Aussie" play doubles on one of the smaller courts. That was in '98, and was Hewitt playing with Draper. Two years ago I watched Rublev lose to Gojowczyk on the same court...

Wednesday is probably the best overall as that is when most of the seeds play their 1st round (and I'm hoping Rafa plays that day).
 

bobleenov1963

Hall of Fame
Well, I'll resurrect my info...

Referencing the Google maps link I posted, the bank of 3 courts at the top are normally combined into a single court (I believe it's labeled as Grandstand). The single courts to the left & right are practice courts, as is the bank of 4 in the lower right, below the clay courts.

The bubble area at the bottom is another bank of 5 courts, but they only play on 3 of them, using courts 2 & 4 for seating. The one in the middle is normally the bigger of the 3 as far as seating.

Other than the lower levels of Stadium, all seating is pretty much open (i.e., first come, first served). If you go during the week, you can normally 'sneak' into the lower levels during the evening session. Two years ago I was basically courtside for Kyrgios' first round match. We were constantly on TV as his personal box was 2 down from us, so he'd go over & chat w/ them and the camera would follow...

Food & drink is expensive, as you'd imagine. Last year I think I paid $9 for a Stella (It was $8 for a Budweiser, and if I'm spending that much for a beer, I may was well get something halfway decent).

The "best" days to go are normally Tuesday and Wednesday. That is when there are plenty of good matches on the outside courts, along w/ some of the seeds playing. I remember years ago watching a "then little known 17 yr old Aussie" play doubles on one of the smaller courts. That was in '98, and was Hewitt playing with Draper. Two years ago I watched Rublev lose to Gojowczyk on the same court...

Wednesday is probably the best overall as that is when most of the seeds play their 1st round (and I'm hoping Rafa plays that day).

I've been going to CitiOpen since 2012. Got to meet Madison Keys in person and got to hit with her for about 20 minutes. Another year, I got to meet in person Belinda Bencic and hit with her as well. Another year, my company was one of the sponsors and I got to meet the Russian former US Open champ. Another year, my son got to hit with Giles Simon for almost an hour. A few years back, my daughter got to hang out with Camila Giorgi for a day. My son also got to hang out with Andy Murray when he played at CitiOpen a few years back. All of them are very nice and friendly people with the exception of Kevin Anderson who is a real a**hole in person.

Food & drink is definitely expensive. An ice cream will cost you like $5 (where you can get the same ice cream at costco for less than $1, LOL). In years past, they let you bring in water and snacks in your back pack. I told them that my kids have special diet and no issue with bringing drink and snacks.

The best time to go is in the morning and afternoon where you can see lot of players practice. I love watching practice. I am not a fan of watching the whole match.

Parking is tough especially in the evening. Just use Uber and you will be good.
 
Well, I'll resurrect my info...

Referencing the Google maps link I posted, the bank of 3 courts at the top are normally combined into a single court (I believe it's labeled as Grandstand). The single courts to the left & right are practice courts, as is the bank of 4 in the lower right, below the clay courts.

The bubble area at the bottom is another bank of 5 courts, but they only play on 3 of them, using courts 2 & 4 for seating. The one in the middle is normally the bigger of the 3 as far as seating.

Other than the lower levels of Stadium, all seating is pretty much open (i.e., first come, first served). If you go during the week, you can normally 'sneak' into the lower levels during the evening session. Two years ago I was basically courtside for Kyrgios' first round match. We were constantly on TV as his personal box was 2 down from us, so he'd go over & chat w/ them and the camera would follow...

Food & drink is expensive, as you'd imagine. Last year I think I paid $9 for a Stella (It was $8 for a Budweiser, and if I'm spending that much for a beer, I may was well get something halfway decent).

The "best" days to go are normally Tuesday and Wednesday. That is when there are plenty of good matches on the outside courts, along w/ some of the seeds playing. I remember years ago watching a "then little known 17 yr old Aussie" play doubles on one of the smaller courts. That was in '98, and was Hewitt playing with Draper. Two years ago I watched Rublev lose to Gojowczyk on the same court...

Wednesday is probably the best overall as that is when most of the seeds play their 1st round (and I'm hoping Rafa plays that day).

Wow I'm really glad you retyped all that for me. You have some great memories. Thank you so much for sharing. That's more info that I ever hoped to get. I'll definitely be saving all this for next year. I did see comments elsewhere about the prices. You can only take in one clear bottle of water in with you so yeah it will be an expensive day even for just water depending on how long the day is. My husband will definitely be having some beer. I'll have to take vacation for next year so I can attend more days. I didn't want to spend the money for more than one day this time around. It's my first time at a tournament. So if the day officially starts at noon, when do you think the match will start? I know we can enter two or maybe three hours early but not sure when we should plan to eat. Once we sit and the match starts, I'm not moving. Lastly, I just noticed your user name and cracked up. Love it McLovin.
 
I've been going to CitiOpen since 2012. Got to meet Madison Keys in person and got to hit with her for about 20 minutes. Another year, I got to meet in person Belinda Bencic and hit with her as well. Another year, my company was one of the sponsors and I got to meet the Russian former US Open champ. Another year, my son got to hit with Giles Simon for almost an hour. A few years back, my daughter got to hang out with Camila Giorgi for a day. My son also got to hang out with Andy Murray when he played at CitiOpen a few years back. All of them are very nice and friendly people with the exception of Kevin Anderson who is a real a**hole in person.

Food & drink is definitely expensive. An ice cream will cost you like $5 (where you can get the same ice cream at costco for less than $1, LOL). In years past, they let you bring in water and snacks in your back pack. I told them that my kids have special diet and no issue with bringing drink and snacks.

The best time to go is in the morning and afternoon where you can see lot of players practice. I love watching practice. I am not a fan of watching the whole match.

Parking is tough especially in the evening. Just use Uber and you will be good.

Wow those are some awesome experiences. Interesting because I do have a somewhat special diet having had gastric bypass last year. I might try it so I can bring in a protein shake at least.

I defnitely plan on going in as early as they let us. I think 9 a.m. I'd love to see some practices. Thank you for all your input.
 

McLovin

Legend
So if the day officially starts at noon, when do you think the match will start? I know we can enter two or maybe three hours early but not sure when we should plan to eat.
Not sure...I guess you'd have to wait and see what the schedule is. There will be the Men's doubles final, the Men's final, and I presume the Women's 'exhibition final' (sucks that they lost the WTA tournament last year).
I'll have to take vacation for next year so I can attend more days.
Side note: My daughter works for the USTA down in Orlando. As an employee, she gets tickets to the US Open. My wife and I were going to attend this year (for the first time), but it turns out the tickets aren't good Fri-Mon (the middle weekend), and she works for the school system, so we can't go during the week...bummer.
Lastly, I just noticed your user name and cracked up. Love it McLovin.
There's actually a not-so-interesting story behind it. When I first joined here (crap...14 years ago!), I used my real name. I quickly learned that wasn't very smart, so I contacted the admins about changing it. Turns out that is the only reason they'll allow you to change it (if you used your real name). They asked me for a new name, and I'm not very creative. I had just watched SuperBad the weekend before, and it was on my mind, so I went with it.
 
Not sure...I guess you'd have to wait and see what the schedule is. There will be the Men's doubles final, the Men's final, and I presume the Women's 'exhibition final' (sucks that they lost the WTA tournament last year).

Side note: My daughter works for the USTA down in Orlando. As an employee, she gets tickets to the US Open. My wife and I were going to attend this year (for the first time), but it turns out the tickets aren't good Fri-Mon (the middle weekend), and she works for the school system, so we can't go during the week...bummer.

There's actually a not-so-interesting story behind it. When I first joined here (crap...14 years ago!), I used my real name. I quickly learned that wasn't very smart, so I contacted the admins about changing it. Turns out that is the only reason they'll allow you to change it (if you used your real name). They asked me for a new name, and I'm not very creative. I had just watched SuperBad the weekend before, and it was on my mind, so I went with it.

It's still hilarious. OMG tickets to the US Open. That's a shame you can't use them. I checked the prices and we aren't going to that unless we hit the lottery or delay retirement and my husband isn't on board with that idea.
 

bobleenov1963

Hall of Fame
So if the day officially starts at noon, when do you think the match will start? I know we can enter two or maybe three hours early but not sure when we should plan to eat. Once we sit and the match starts, I'm not moving.

CitiOpen takes place at Rock Creek Park in Washington DC. This place is on 16th Street and it is kinda far from many good restaurants, especially there are lots of traffic lights on 16th street. My suggestion is for you and your hubby to visit Silver Spring Maryland because there are so selections good restaurants there. You can have lunch around 11am and take Uber to Rock Creek Park after that. From Silver Spring Maryland, it is a straight shot on 16th Street to Rock Creek Park, and it will take about 15 minutes to get there, pending traffics. Avoid driving altogether.
 
CitiOpen takes place at Rock Creek Park in Washington DC. This place is on 16th Street and it is kinda far from many good restaurants, especially there are lots of traffic lights on 16th street. My suggestion is for you and your hubby to visit Silver Spring Maryland because there are so selections good restaurants there. You can have lunch around 11am and take Uber to Rock Creek Park after that. From Silver Spring Maryland, it is a straight shot on 16th Street to Rock Creek Park, and it will take about 15 minutes to get there, pending traffics. Avoid driving altogether.

Great suggestion thank you again. Before reading this I had just sent an email off to the Hotel (The Line) to ask for recommendations for restaurants too. Everything in that area seemed too highly specific (Ethiopian, Peruvian) or super expensive with like five things to choose from or at the other end of the spectrum with fast food.

I can't tell you guys how glad I am I found this forum. I hate going somewhere and being clueless.
 
Soo, I couldn't take it. I bought tickets for Saturday too. Much cheaper seat in the stadium but still I'll get to see a lot more matches. :)

I meant to ask a likely dumb question, what's with the tickets for each day being broken out into a 1 p.m. ticket and a 7 p.m. ticket. The 1 p.m. gets you in for the whole day and the 7 only gets you in starting at 7 p.m. I guess?
 
Last edited:

silentkman

Hall of Fame
NatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at WimbledonNatF smokes crystal meth at Wimbledon
are you ok?
 

innoVAShaun

G.O.A.T.
Soo, I couldn't take it. I bought tickets for Saturday too. Much cheaper seat in the stadium but still I'll get to see a lot more matches. :)

I meant to ask a likely dumb question, what's with the tickets for each day being broken out into a 1 p.m. ticket and a 7 p.m. ticket. The 1 p.m. gets you in for the whole day and the 7 only gets you in starting at 7 p.m. I guess?

Super Saturday? Yes, 1pm seats are day session reserved seats vs 7pm are evening session reserved seats. You can call and ask what's the earliest they will allow the 7pm seats onto the grounds. There will still be other matches on the grounds also. During the evening all the seats are packed on all courts. The four times I went they seldom enforce the nosebleed sections seating in the stadium unless someone says something.
 
"Super Saturday? Yes, 1pm seats are day session reserved seats vs 7pm are evening session reserved seats. You can call and ask what's the earliest they will allow the 7pm seats onto the grounds."
[/QUOTE]
So with my 1 p.m. ticket do I have to leave at 7?
 

innoVAShaun

G.O.A.T.
So with my 1 p.m. ticket do I have to leave at 7?

If it is enforced, you will just need to vacate your seat in the stadium after the day session matches.

In 2019, Super Saturday in the Stadium court was both women's semifinals for the day session, then the military appreciation programs for the intermission, and then the men's semifinals for the evening session.
 
Last edited:
If it is enforced, you will just need to vacate your seat in the stadium after the day session matches.

In 2019, Super Saturday in the Stadium court was both women's semifinals for the day session, then the military appreciation programs for the intermission, and then the men's semifinals for the evening session.

Oh well, let's whip out the ole credit card one more time! LOL!
 

Space_D

Rookie
Just curious, are the players' practice schedules posted in advance?

In past years, their Twitter account posts the practice schedules for the day.

Another question. Are you allowed to leave the grounds and return later in the day? I think I was able to in previous years, but can't quite remember (getting old haha).
 

innoVAShaun

G.O.A.T.
In past years, their Twitter account posts the practice schedules for the day.

Another question. Are you allowed to leave the grounds and return later in the day? I think I was able to in previous years, but can't quite remember (getting old haha).

Yes, they normally will scan your ticket in and out if you wish to return. I walked out to the parking lot to keep getting food and water that I kept in a cooler in my car.
 

silentkman

Hall of Fame
Still a better player field than 2019. Plus how close and intimate you can get to see and meet the players.

c'mon how many times do you want to see Federer look old on the court. The field is top notch and some brutal first round matches lurk. I'm anxious to see the qualifying draw.
 

bobleenov1963

Hall of Fame
The ticket price for CitiOpen is really insane this year. In year past, you pay $10 per day on Saturday and Sunday to walk around and see all the qualifying matches. This year, when looking at the ticket website, it is $50 per day, WTF... No thank you. I'll use that money for a good round of golf.

Edit: the actual CitiOpen website is only $13 this year. I might go tomorrow and Sunday
 
Last edited:

silentkman

Hall of Fame
The ticket price for CitiOpen is really insane this year. In year past, you pay $10 per day on Saturday and Sunday to walk around and see all the qualifying matches. This year, when looking at the ticket website, it is $50 per day, WTF... No thank you. I'll use that money for a good round of golf.

Edit: the actual CitiOpen website is only $13 this year. I might go tomorrow and Sunday
I paid $29 with fees for the first day of qualifying.
 

bobleenov1963

Hall of Fame
I arrived @Citiopen on Saturday @12pm and left @4:30pm. Didn't see Nadal's practice and had no interest of doing so. I watched the match between Jason Jung and Go Soeda and another match between Tatsuma Ito and Ofner. I watched that match because I was in the shade. I got to meet Kei Nishikori, and my kids took pictures with Kei. Kei must be a very good friend of Soeda because he sat the in stand to watch the Soeda/Jung match. I am surprised no one recognized Nishikori (must be because he wore the mask) but my kids spotted him immediately.

I also got to watch Sam Querry practice with another unknown player. Sam is a very tall guy with a HUGE serve and HUGE forehand. When he is on, he can take out Novak Djokovic probably in straight set and win the USO but the problem with Sam is that he is not ON 99% of the time :(.

Also got to see Kudla and Opelka practice on the practice court.

My 4 1/2 hours was well spent I would say.
 

HateClay

New User
Shapovalov and Hurkacz withdrew just before the draw. They were in the list of players that I linked to above. The list hasn't been amended. I don't know if there have been other withdrawals.
 

HateClay

New User
Many players on Citi Open's announced player list must have withdrawn before the draw.
Hurkacz, Shapovalov, Isner, Karatsev, Khachanov, Koepfer, Kwon, Munar, Pella, Ramos-Vinolas, and Raonic.
I checked qualifying and they're not there either.
 

silentkman

Hall of Fame
Saturday was a beautiful day for tennis. I enjoyed watching Nadal practice. I wanted to see what type of drills were done. I saw Anderson practice for a bit, watched Korda practice. I wanted to see JJ Wolf's mullet. I saw the former mayor of DC's son play. I saw Broady play for the first time. One the way out Kudla and Querrey were going at it. I finally saw how tall Dr Ivo is. of course, Tiafoe was practicing without a shirt on. It's always nice to see some the new guys. everyone was nice and great tennis conversation.
 

bobleenov1963

Hall of Fame
Saturday was a beautiful day for tennis. I enjoyed watching Nadal practice. I wanted to see what type of drills were done. I saw Anderson practice for a bit, watched Korda practice. I wanted to see JJ Wolf's mullet. I saw the former mayor of DC's son play. I saw Broady play for the first time. One the way out Kudla and Querrey were going at it. I finally saw how tall Dr Ivo is. of course, Tiafoe was practicing without a shirt on. It's always nice to see some the new guys. everyone was nice and great tennis conversation.

They let the former mayor son, Andrew Fenty, played the qualifying on the Stadium court while Jason Jung had to play Soeda on outside court. Jason Jung has higher ranking than both Fenty and Krueger. Fenty ATP ranking is almost 1100s. The favortism is disgusting.

Fenty had no business of playing on the stadium court. I am glad Fenty he lost.
 

silentkman

Hall of Fame
They let the former mayor son, Andrew Fenty, played the qualifying on the Stadium court while Jason Jung had to play Soeda on outside court. Jason Jung has higher ranking than both Fenty and Krueger. Fenty ATP ranking is almost 1100s. The favortism is disgusting.

Fenty had no business of playing on the stadium court. I am glad Fenty he lost.

His ranking is actually 863. Your point is understandable. it was the first match of the day, a small crowd. Fenty is a JTCC alum as well. C'mon no one expected him to win. In fact, by the time you arrived the match was almost over. You always have least likely to draw fans in the first match of the day. The Broady and Ymer matches could have been on stadium as well. sheesh
 
c'mon how many times do you want to see Federer look old on the court. The field is top notch and some brutal first round matches lurk. I'm anxious to see the qualifying draw.

I would love any opportunity to see Federer play and if he's "old" I wish I could play half as well as that old man.
 
Saturday was a beautiful day for tennis. I enjoyed watching Nadal practice. I wanted to see what type of drills were done. I saw Anderson practice for a bit, watched Korda practice. I wanted to see JJ Wolf's mullet. I saw the former mayor of DC's son play. I saw Broady play for the first time. One the way out Kudla and Querrey were going at it. I finally saw how tall Dr Ivo is. of course, Tiafoe was practicing without a shirt on. It's always nice to see some the new guys. everyone was nice and great tennis conversation.
So freaking jealous!! I don't have tickets until Sat/Sun.
 
I know this is not really tennis related but, I'm tired of researching. My husband and I will be able to have dinner in DC on Friday and on Sunday. We are not Nobu types. We don't mind spending money for a really exceptional meal but we are not sushi, tartar or uber upscale food people. I need suggestions for great restaurants to look into. We aren't going to be experimental and try like, Ethiopian for example. Nothing against Ethiopian food but just not in the mood to chance not finding anything on a menu that I would want to eat. Anybody have any suggestions? Italian, Mexican, Indian (if I can get my usual Tikka Masala lol), American, Steakhouse, etc.
 
those are the big money tickets. I'm seriously considering getting tickets for the entire week next year. I talked to a guy that got his at 2019 prices.
Right that's why I only splurged (painfully) for those two days hoping that Rafa will be there then. If his foot is all healed, he should be. It may be my only chance to see Rafa or these other guys in person because I sure can't afford the US Open. I am so bummed I'm not there to see some of the other players or to watch Rafa practice. I could never have taken off this particular week anyway.
 
Top