WASHINGTON (7News) — The world’s best tennis players are back in the nation’s capital this week, but the Mubadala DC Open is about more than what happens on the court.
The annual tournament has become a summer tradition in Washington, combining elite professional tennis with a chance to showcase the city to fans from across the country and around the world.
The tournament, now known as the Mubadala DC Open, is being played at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park — the same location that has hosted the event for decades. The 2026 tournament marks the 57th edition of the event.
“This is a special place to play,” tournament organizers say, pointing to the unique setting of a professional tournament inside one of Washington’s most recognizable public parks.
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The event began in 1969 and has grown from a traditional men’s tournament into one of the premier stops on the tennis calendar. In 2023, Washington’s tournament expanded into a combined ATP and WTA 500 event, bringing both men’s and women’s professional tours together at the same venue.
This year’s field features some of the biggest names in tennis, including Grand Slam champions and top-ranked players competing ahead of the U.S. Open hard-court swing.
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For Washington, the tournament is also a major summer attraction.
Thousands of fans travel to Rock Creek Park each year to watch professional tennis, creating business for nearby restaurants, hotels, transportation services, and other local businesses. Organizers have continued expanding the fan experience beyond the matches, adding more food, entertainment, and activities for visitors.
The tournament also has a community mission. Through partnerships supporting youth tennis and education programs, organizers say they want the event to inspire more young people to pick up a racquet and get involved in the sport.
For many fans, that combination of world-class competition and a neighborhood atmosphere is what makes the DC Open different.
The Mubadala DC Open is underway at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C., on July 30, 2026. (7News)
It is a chance to see some of the best athletes in the world — while experiencing a piece of Washington’s summer sports history.
“Every year we are always trying to think about how do we take this to a new level? Sometimes we wonder if that’s gonna be possible because it’s kind of like a summer wonderland I think sometimes here. But we always find ways to do something new, including where we are standing right now, the Front Porch. So we changed the entrance and created this whole outdoor area that from the moment we opened the gates people have loved and have been packing it since the first day,” set founder, and chairman Mark Ein.
“We live in a very international world, everyone’s connected through social media and regular media. And so bringing the best players from all over the world I think is great and I think it’s something our fans love. And as you said, in D.C., we have people from every country.”
The Mubadala DC Open runs through Aug. 2 at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park.
The excitement continues all weekend, and you can catch the biggest matches and the finals on WJLA 24/7 News.
Saturday, Aug. 1 (beginning at noon):
Sunday, Aug. 2 (beginning at noon):
Whether you’re following your favorite player or just looking to experience world-class tennis from the nation’s capital, 7News is your home for championship weekend at the Mubadala DC Open.
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