Citi Open 2021

HateClay

New User
I would rather watch any qualifying match than to see somebody practice, even if it was Nadal. But that's me. I like to watch tennis matches. I understand others would pay to watch Nadal doing anything- sleeping, sitting, stretching, whatever. I've watched pros practice briefly in between stadium matches at the US Open. Interesting, but I don't think practice should preempt real matches. Also, Nadal got to practice on the stadium court on Friday.
 

silentkman

Hall of Fame
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.

The US Open is all about getting your hotel lined up. everything else is gravy. You can always get tickets and transportation to NYC is cheap. we would actually get our hotel rooms in February for the Open. Remember, I like going the first week. yes, if want to go to the semis and finals that's another league.
 

HateClay

New User
I only went to the US Open once and only because a friend had corporate seats so I didn't have to buy an overpriced ticket. For lunch I left the grounds, hopped on the subway and filled myself with dim sum for the same cost as a hot dog at the tennis. To get back on topic, the Citi Open is more economical. But I probably won't be buying food there.
 
I only went to the US Open once and only because a friend had corporate seats so I didn't have to buy an overpriced ticket. For lunch I left the grounds, hopped on the subway and filled myself with dim sum for the same cost as a hot dog at the tennis. To get back on topic, the Citi Open is more economical. But I probably won't be buying food there.
We are going to Lyft it to the stadium from our hotel so we are going to have to eat there. Unless we feel like there is enough of a break in the action to get a ride somewhere but others have said there aren't a lot of restaurants in that area.
 

Zinge

New User
Worth going to the Geico or Lord and Taylor lots for parking if arriving around 5? Headed over around then today, going earlier in the day on Wednesday.
 

silentkman

Hall of Fame
I only went to the US Open once and only because a friend had corporate seats so I didn't have to buy an overpriced ticket. For lunch I left the grounds, hopped on the subway and filled myself with dim sum for the same cost as a hot dog at the tennis. To get back on topic, the Citi Open is more economical. But I probably won't be buying food there.

i just check the prices for the first couple days and $60 is not overpriced. we've gone at least 20 times over the years. we've done the day trips twice. I think the qualifying is free at the Open. all in all it's reasonably priced event.
 

Space_D

Rookie
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.

Which area are you staying? Tom Sietsema is the local food critic for the Washington Post and has great recommendations. Some staples near downtown are Rasika (Indian), Jaleo (Spanish), and Fiola (Italian).

I went on Saturday with my kids and had a great time seeing all the practices including Rafa. Only got to catch a little bit of the actual qualifying matches as the kids started running out of steam. I've been going to the tournament every year since I moved here 10 years ago, and I have to say it is much, much better experience since Ein took over. The food options and layout are improved. And there was a lot of kid-friendly stuff as well.
 
Which area are you staying? Tom Sietsema is the local food critic for the Washington Post and has great recommendations. Some staples near downtown are Rasika (Indian), Jaleo (Spanish), and Fiola (Italian).

I went on Saturday with my kids and had a great time seeing all the practices including Rafa. Only got to catch a little bit of the actual qualifying matches as the kids started running out of steam. I've been going to the tournament every year since I moved here 10 years ago, and I have to say it is much, much better experience since Ein took over. The food options and layout are improved. And there was a lot of kid-friendly stuff as well.

Jealous! We are staying at The Line Hotel on Euclid St which is 2.6 miles from the tennis center. Thank you for the advice! I'll check all that out.
 

silentkman

Hall of Fame
Jealous! We are staying at The Line Hotel on Euclid St which is 2.6 miles from the tennis center. Thank you for the advice! I'll check all that out.

I'm super jealous. That's in the heart of Adams Morgan, back in the day played tennis with a great group on 18th street. I remember when it was a church. you should have no problem finding places to eat. Please let us know how your stay was.
 

Space_D

Rookie
Jealous! We are staying at The Line Hotel on Euclid St which is 2.6 miles from the tennis center. Thank you for the advice! I'll check all that out.

Yeah, you are in a lively area. Lots of good restaurants and bars. The hotel had an awesome restaurant in it but I think it closed. One of the best Ethiopian places (Zenebech) is nearby.
 

Space_D

Rookie
What happened to the WTA tournament?

It was bought by a different group and moved to be a clay court event in Poland. Citi Open is instead hosting a women’s exhibition with some American players (Brady, Pegula, Gauff (?))
 
Last edited:
Kyrios out a lot earlier than I expected. Good thing he says he doesn't care about being at the top.

The Citi Open website says "Yes, we thrilled to provide a world-class culinary experience to our patrons. More information on our culinary partners and options will be shared soon. " When are they going to post that? On Sunday? :rolleyes:
 

bobleenov1963

Hall of Fame
Kyrios out a lot earlier than I expected. Good thing he says he doesn't care about being at the top.

The Citi Open website says "Yes, we thrilled to provide a world-class culinary experience to our patrons. More information on our culinary partners and options will be shared soon. " When are they going to post that? On Sunday? :rolleyes:

The food at CitoOpen is lousy and expensive. I can say this from personal experience yesterday. There are plenty of good restaurants in Silver Spring Maryland, about 15 minutes drive from Rock Creek park.
 
The food at CitoOpen is lousy and expensive. I can say this from personal experience yesterday. There are plenty of good restaurants in Silver Spring Maryland, about 15 minutes drive from Rock Creek park.

Well that sucks. So much for the truth of their comment. That is quite a concern for me as I've had gastric bypass and I can't eat crap. It'll make me sick. I'm annoyed we will need to leave the action to eat. But thanks for the info that it's not far to go.
 

silentkman

Hall of Fame
Well that sucks. So much for the truth of their comment. That is quite a concern for me as I've had gastric bypass and I can't eat crap. It'll make me sick. I'm annoyed we will need to leave the action to eat. But thanks for the info that it's not far to go.

You are in Adams Morgan, why go to Silver Spring? tons of great places to eat.
 

FiddlerDog

Hall of Fame
What a thriller against Sock.

Today was magical. Finally got to see Rafa live.
Bucket list checked off. History witnessed.

I am so glad I got to see Rafa before he retires.
Today cost me $1000, and it was worth every cent
and worth all the travel to make it happen.

Fed will also be gone by next year.

I consider this a farewell season for Fedal ....35 & 40
Farewell to Kings

(meanwhile, tennis "fans" are obsessing over where to eat. What a disgrace)
 
Last edited:
What a thriller against Sock.

Today was magical. Finally got to see Rafa live.
Bucket list checked off. History witnessed.

I am so glad I got to see Rafa before he retires.
Today cost me $1000, and it was worth every cent
and worth all the travel to make it happen.

Fed will also be gone by next year.

I consider this a farewell season for Fedal ....35 & 40
Farewell to Kings

(meanwhile, tennis "fans" are obsessing over where to eat. What a disgrace)

Wow I can't even imagine what it was like to be there. Much more exciting match than I expected. As for your dig about food, I've had gastric bypass so I HAVE to obsess about it. I can't just eat any old kind of crap. It's also the first vacation, short as it is, that we have taken in two years and one of the things we like to do is find great places to eat in a city we have never been to. I am a rabid Rafa fan. If I wasn't there is no way I would have spent upwards of $3000 between tickets for three sessions and a nearby hotel for three nights (yep could have found cheaper but I don't want to). I'm hoping fervently that Rafa will not lose before Saturday because I will be incredibly disappointed. So don't be such a snot that you think because someone is interested in what other things are in the area they are not a true fan.
 

Space_D

Rookie
I was there last night as well! Definitely an electric atmosphere. Was also lucky to see Rafa practice up close earlier in the day which was unexpected.

As far as food options, it’s much improved from 10 years ago when I first started attending. It’s a lot of local vendors which is cool. There are a couple healthy options as well (Root and Sprig by Tom Collicchio)
 
I was there last night as well! Definitely an electric atmosphere. Was also lucky to see Rafa practice up close earlier in the day which was unexpected.

As far as food options, it’s much improved from 10 years ago when I first started attending. It’s a lot of local vendors which is cool. There are a couple healthy options as well (Root and Sprig by Tom Collicchio)

I am so jealous!!! I watched of course and my stomach was doing flip flops. I do like Jack but my main goal is to see Rafa play in person so I was just freaking out that it was so close. I know he has other obstacles and unfortunately he seems to still be having some difficulty with that foot, although I'm only guessing, because he wasn't quite as nimble as usual but I'll be crushed if he isn't still in on Saturday.

What a memory for you to have! Thanks for the hope you've given for food options. I don't want to have to leave unless we have to. :)
 

FiddlerDog

Hall of Fame
I'm hoping fervently that Rafa will not lose before Saturday

Are you in DC tonight? If so, Stubhub a ticket for $67 and get there by 6pm!!
Prices for yesterday were like $150, and today the prices are half.
I guess everyone who wanted to see Nadal focused on day 1, in case he lost to Sock.
Today's tickets are priced as if Nadal lost, but this just shows people only wanted to see him once.
Tonight is a great opportunity and cheap to boot
 
Are you in DC tonight? If so, Stubhub a ticket for $67 and get there by 6pm!!
Prices for yesterday were like $150, and today the prices are half.
I guess everyone who wanted to see Nadal focused on day 1, in case he lost to Sock.
Today's tickets are priced as if Nadal lost, but this just shows people only wanted to see him once.
Tonight is a great opportunity and cheap to boot

Tickets in the main stadium are going that cheap now? Unfortunately, I'm working so I can't get there. They must be up in the very top. Not that there is anything wrong with that. :) If I could have been there all week, I would have. Kind of strange that tennis fans don't have as much interest in seeing some of the other top talent. I'm not going to cancel my trip if Rafa isn't still there. There will still be great action I'm sure.
 

silentkman

Hall of Fame
What a thriller against Sock.

Today was magical. Finally got to see Rafa live.
Bucket list checked off. History witnessed.

I am so glad I got to see Rafa before he retires.
Today cost me $1000, and it was worth every cent
and worth all the travel to make it happen.

Fed will also be gone by next year.

I consider this a farewell season for Fedal ....35 & 40
Farewell to Kings

(meanwhile, tennis "fans" are obsessing over where to eat. What a disgrace)

Stop it dude. The question was raised and it was answered. no need to Sh-- on people. I love tennis, but nobody is worth $1,000. I'm glad that you had a great time. I was there Saturday for $25 and Rafa practice in addition to some good matches. considering getting the entire package next year. Just not interested in the semis and the final.
 

silentkman

Hall of Fame
Tickets in the main stadium are going that cheap now? Unfortunately, I'm working so I can't get there. They must be up in the very top. Not that there is anything wrong with that. :) If I could have been there all week, I would have. Kind of strange that tennis fans don't have as much interest in seeing some of the other top talent. I'm not going to cancel my trip if Rafa isn't still there. There will still be great action I'm sure.

honestly the very top is still a good view. if i had time to go back I would. I follow the guys outside the Top 100 closely for some reason. I always like seeing a new player. those guys are truly hustling to make a living playing tennis.
 
honestly the very top is still a good view. if i had time to go back I would. I follow the guys outside the Top 100 closely for some reason. I always like seeing a new player. those guys are truly hustling to make a living playing tennis.

I wasn't sure having not been there but now I'll know for future. Being in the dark, I just thought I better try to get as close as I could reasonably afford. It could be my only chance ever to see my favorite. I often wonder how the lower ranked players can afford to keep playing for a living given the prize money amounts. Some people don't think anything is worth it but I spent $700 for Paul McCartney and that was incredible being a Beatles freak. My husband is the same as you though. Nobody is worth spending a lot on to him. Only a very, very few people are to me.
 

bobleenov1963

Hall of Fame
honestly the very top is still a good view. if i had time to go back I would. I follow the guys outside the Top 100 closely for some reason. I always like seeing a new player. those guys are truly hustling to make a living playing tennis.

I beg to differ. The very top seat at the main stadium is NOT a very good view, especially on a 90+ degree and humid day of Washington DC. The players look like ants from there. No thank you.
 

FiddlerDog

Hall of Fame
Just got back from my 2nd night at Citi.
Then I took an Uber to Citi around 4pm. Saw Kyrgios practicing then Nadal and Coco.

Great event. Great views. Literally not a bad seat in the entire complex. Great value.
A wonderful 2 day trip for me.
The USO mob scene will be a let down compared to this more intimate event

Really sorry that Rafa is out for your sessions. @micheleshdwfx
What does your username mean? Michele should wfx ?
 
Last edited:
Just got back from my 2nd night at Citi.
Spent the day walking to the White House, the Mall, Air & Space, and National Gallery.
Then I took an Uber to Citi around 4pm. Saw Kyrgios practicing then Nadal and Coco.

Great event. Great views. Literally not a bad seat in the entire complex. Great value.
A wonderful 2 day trip for me.
The USO mob scene will be a let down compared to this more intimate event

Really sorry that Rafa is out for your sessions. @micheleshdwfx
What does your username mean? Michele should wfx ?

Thanks. I was miserable last night and still today. I'll get over it and enjoy the trip but man, this might have been my only chance. The shdwfx is short for Shadowfax is the "lord of all horses" in The Lord of the Rings. My full name and the full spelling of it were already taken. I'm an LOTR nerd.
 
Last edited:

McLovin

Legend
The shdwfx is short for Shadowfax is the "lord of all horses" in The Lord of the Rings. My full name and the full spelling of it were already taken. I'm an LOTR nerd.
lol. There's actually a white SUV (I believe it's a Tesla Model X) in NoVA (aka Northern Virginia) w/ a personalized plate of SHADOWFX, or something along that line.
Citi tickets for Fri Sat and Sun are now dirt cheap.
Stubhub. $22 for Friday. $30 for Sat.
What a steal.
Was just talking about that w/ my friends. We sold our Wednesday $60 tickets for a $150 profit (after fees), and were considering going down there today on the cheap.
 
lol. There's actually a white SUV (I believe it's a Tesla Model X) in NoVA (aka Northern Virginia) w/ a personalized plate of SHADOWFX, or something along that line.

Was just talking about that w/ my friends. We sold our Wednesday $60 tickets for a $150 profit (after fees), and were considering going down there today on the cheap.

LOL! I love horses and LOTR so there ya go. When Rafa lost I briefly considered trying to sell my tickets but I didn't bother looking. I assumed with him out, no way I would recover the costs and besides what kind of fan am I to skip the whole thing for one person. There will still be great action.
 
Made it to DC. I left my new Rafa tote bag, with little seat cushion, my cooling towels, and one set of session tickets in that bag. :mad:Luckily the front desk can hopefully print them for me. As for a tote bag, I luckily had a not horrible looking reusable tote in the car. Hopefully that's the only bump in the road!
 

FiddlerDog

Hall of Fame
Eighth row. :) Definitely the best splurge of my life.

I saw Macca once in 2011 or so. I was blown away. BLOWN AWAY.
In the presence of living history, and the band was note perfect.

I forced my friends to go when he came back around.
They started saying this or that,
I flat out said, "Shut it. Stop talking. This is not a discussion. Get the tickets."
"But, maybe might kinda gotta see you sure?"
Stop. Do not talk to me again until you get the tickets.
They were duly blown away, as well.
 
I saw Macca once in 2011 or so. I was blown away. BLOWN AWAY.
In the presence of living history, and the band was note perfect.

I forced my friends to go when he came back around.
They started saying this or that,
I flat out said, "Shut it. Stop talking. This is not a discussion. Get the tickets."
"But, maybe might kinda gotta see you sure?"
Stop. Do not talk to me again until you get the tickets.
They were duly blown away, as well.

I've seen him twice but the eighth row one was another level. He and the band, like you said, were perfect. The guy gives you your money's worth for over three hours. In his seventies and he never took a break. I was with a cousin of my generation and his nephew and the nephews friend. Every one of us Beatles fans so there was no coaxing needed. We've seen him twice and Ringo twice. I have two Ringo signed drumheads I bought at the shows. They were insanely jealous. Great to hear that your friends appreciated it too.
 

silentkman

Hall of Fame
I beg to differ. The very top seat at the main stadium is NOT a very good view, especially on a 90+ degree and humid day of Washington DC. The players look like ants from there. No thank you.

nope, they look like ants at Ashe. This is a relatively small stadium.
 
Last edited:

silentkman

Hall of Fame
Made it to DC. I left my new Rafa tote bag, with little seat cushion, my cooling towels, and one set of session tickets in that bag. :mad:Luckily the front desk can hopefully print them for me. As for a tote bag, I luckily had a not horrible looking reusable tote in the car. Hopefully that's the only bump in the road!

I anxious to hear about the hotel and the tennis. I hope you had a great time.
 

innoVAShaun

Legend
I beg to differ. The very top seat at the main stadium is NOT a very good view, especially on a 90+ degree and humid day of Washington DC. The players look like ants from there. No thank you.
nope, they look like ants at Ashe. This is a relatively small stadium.

Citi Open vs US Open

Nosebleed:

Citi Open
E8YBVknXEAgPVDU


US Open
E8YBVkoWYAEhoLw


View from Suites:

Citi Open
E8YB630WUAUok5b


US Open
E8YB64MXoAQIVus



Courtside:

Citi Open
E8YCktaX0AI79zm


US Open
E8YCktHX0AEaQ9h
 

beltsman

G.O.A.T.
Been to both and prefer the seats/views in Citi. Of course, as it's a smaller venue. I think it should be a bigger event but the timing in the ATP calendar plus summer weather is rough.
 
Top