By Christopher Lancette
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 24, 2012 — Every good showman knows that rule No. 1 is “Give people what they want.” Citi, the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation and Lagardere Unlimited are doing just that this summer – converting the men-only Legg Mason Tennis Classic to the new, co-ed Citi Open that will remain at the William H. G. FitzGerald Tennis Center from July 28 through August 25.
The Legg Mason Tennis Classic was already a great tennis tradition here after decades of big stars winning the title but fans wanted to see more matches – and they wanted to bring the ladies to town. The WTA brought a small event to College Park, Maryland last year. The quality of play was solid but the location was relatively unknown to most D.C.-area tennis patrons. “It would be great if this event could take place on the same site as the Legg Mason next year,” fans and reporters alike kept saying.
Citi listened. So did event organizer Lagardere Unlimited. With Legg Mason’s sponsorship contract expiring, they seized the moment and gave the District’s tennis-crazy fan base a shiny new toy that will come complete with newly added hard courts and seating to accommodate them. Both men’s and women’s sides will feature a 32-player draw instead of 48 for 2012 – as many top players will be in England for the Olympics – but then return to 48-player tournaments next year.
The men’s tournament will remain a 500-level event while the women’s will continue as an International at least for now. Organizers hope the new and improved digs and increased seat capacity will give the women’s event a chance for a promotion over the next three to five years.
Top-ranked American Mardy Fish didn’t waste any time announcing he would play in D.C. this summer altogether skipping the Olympics. Other top players who don’t qualify for or choose not to play in the Olympics are also expected in town. The tournament will recruit the most competitive women’s field it can find, too.
Even better for fans, organizers say they don’t anticipate an increase in ticket costs despite the fact that fans will get to see the women play as well. (Both men and women will also play doubles.)
There may be a few hiccups in 2012, though.
There won’t be a replay system in use on the courts outside the main stadium, and already limited parking may be in even greater demand. Late-afternoon thundershowers could make a mess of the schedule. Players who advance until the final days of the tournament may be hampered when they take off the next morning for Toronto or Montreal. Legg Mason 2012 tournament champion Radek Stepanek and runner-up Gael Monfils both looked sluggish in Montreal last year after fighting the D.C. heat.
Considering the increased appeal of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic-turned-Citi Open, however, the only thing hotter than the courts may be the demand for tickets.