Creating Memories at the Washington Open

BY BRANDEN BEETS | DIRECTOR OF RACQUET SPORTS

Wow, our local pro tennis tournament has evolved over the years…and I suppose I have grown with it, too. For me, the annual summer tournament started as a week-long party with my buddies, turned into a professional networking experience with my colleagues, and is now even a family-friendly event my kids and I look forward to each year!

I’ve been on the edge of my seat watching the best players compete up close for the last 22 years. I remember watching Andre Agassi and Lleyton Hewitt playing on center court when the tournament was still called the Legg Mason Tennis Classic. Over the years, I’ve loved watching the magical runs and heartbreaking losses and cheering on young, upcoming American players.

The Washington Open (currently known as Mubadala Citi Open for sponsorship reasons) is now the only tournament in the world to be an ATP 500 and WTA 500 event. This is amazing for tennis fans because there are more points/ money to be awarded which increases participation by top players in the sport.

My kids have been frequent visitors to the Washington Open since they were old enough to walk. They get inspired (as I do) watching the great matches, up close moments with the pros on the practice courts, getting autographs on their extralarge tennis balls, staying up late with Dad, and, of course, the unlimited frozen lemonades. On the first Saturday of the tournament each year there is a “Kids Day” on center court. It’s a unique experience for juniors to step foot on a championship court, work with some of the Pro players, and get exposed to the feel of a professional tournament. This year we invite you to bring your kids and join us at the Citi Open on Saturday, July 29 for an SGCC Meet Up! They don’t even need to have tennis experience. This is an informal gettogether so we can enjoy the day as a community. Keep an eye out on the Citi Open website for detailed information and act fast because tickets sell out quickly.

We’ve got something exciting for the adults as well. We are doing an adult bus trip for the Mubadala Citi Open Quarterfinals on the evening of Friday, August 4. All you need to do is sign up on the Racquets Calendar and we’ll do the rest! Registration includes transportation to and from the event, complimentary snacks for the bus ride, and premium reserved tickets. Our bus will leave SGCC at 5:30 PM in time to catch two men’s and women’s quarterfinals matches as well as men’s and women’s doubles matches. We plan to return around 11:30 PM. Space is limited so be sure to register ASAP. Come and create your own memories at the Mubadala Citi Open this year!