By Sally Milano
The 2020 Citi Open, which was set to be the first stop on this year's US Open Series after the cancellation of the events in Newport and Atlanta, has been postponed until the summer of 2021, the ATP and Citi Open announced Tuesday. The tournament was scheduled to begin Aug. 13 in Washington, D.C.
“After months of tireless work by our team and close collaboration with our many stakeholders, we are heartbroken to announce that we must unfortunately postpone the 52nd Citi Open until the summer of 2021,” said Mark Ein, Chairman, Citi Open. “With only 23 days left until the start of the tournament, there are too many unresolved external issues, including various international travel restrictions as well as troubling health and safety trends, that have forced us to make this decision now in fairness to our players, suppliers and partners, so that they can have certainty around their planning.”
“It’s disappointing that due to these unprecedented times, the Citi Open will not be able to go ahead this year,” said Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman. “I know how hard Mark Ein and his team have worked to adapt to new and continually changing conditions and would like to recognize their outstanding commitment to staging the event. Unfortunately, for the moment, there are still large factors at play which are outside of our control. We look forward to the Citi Open returning as one of our signature American events in 2021.”
The Citi Open was set to mark the resumption of the ATP Tour, which has been on hiatus since March due to COVID-19.
The tournament's cancellation does not impact the staging of the Western & Southern Open or the US Open, which will both take place next month at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. The Western & Southern Open will be held Aug. 20-28, with the US Open following, from Aug. 31-Sept. 13.
"Though unfortunate, the USTA understands the rationale for canceling the Citi Open at this time," said a USTA statement on the postponement of the Washington, D.C, event. "We want to commend Mark Ein and his entire team for their tenacity, driven by their passion for the sport, but respect the tournament’s ultimate decision. We also want to thank the many supporters of the tournament, from the fans to its many partners, and know that Mark and his team will be ready to host them in 2021.
"This decision in no way impacts the US Open or the Western & Southern Open. The USTA will create a safe and controlled environment for players and everyone else involved in both tournaments that mitigates health risks that was approved by the State of New York and also conforms to the standards put forth by New York City and the federal government. We constantly base our decisions regarding hosting these tournaments on our three guiding principles that include safety and health of all involved, whether hosting these events are in the best interest in the sport of tennis and whether this decision is financially viable. We are confident we remain in line with all three guiding principles."