The New York Open made its debut on Long Island in February 2018 at the NYCB Live, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. This ATP World Tour 250 Series event is one of only ten men’s professional tennis tournaments held in the United States – and of those, the sole indoor championship. Thirty-two of the world’s most talented singles players in tennis—and 16 of the best doubles teams—compete for over $700,000 in prize money.

This year, New York Open and USTA Eastern have partnered to provide USTA Eastern’s college players with a unique opportunity to compete against the world’s best. Two wildcard tournaments in singles and doubles will be held, with the winners of each event receiving wildcards directly into the singles and doubles main draws of the New York Open.

 

USTA Eastern and New York Open have decided to invite our top college and university tennis programs to the New York Open College Wildcard tournament. ADVERTISEMENT Universities confirmed to participate include Columbia University, Cornell University, St. John’s University, Army, Princeton, Hofstra, Adelphi, Wagner, Fairleigh Dickinson, The New York Institute of Technology and St. Francis. The champion will go on to compete during the New York Open’s college-themed night.

“We’re excited to provide the opportunity for college teams to come out and compete, with the winner having a chance to play in a professional tennis tournament, the highest level on the ATP tour,” said Peter Lebedevs, Assistant Tournament Director for the New York Open. “There’s no other sport that is able to have professionals at the top playing against college kids. Hopefully we get a lot of students coming out to cheer them on and make it a great time!”

The number of spots allocated to each university will be based on Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) rankings and Universal Tennis Rating (UTR). Top college programs will earn three spots allowing their top three singles players the opportunity to compete. USTA Eastern will also be inviting our Tennis On Campus most valuable player from our recent Sectional tournament; the MVP is decided by the player who won the most sets.

 

The singles tournament will be held from November 16-18 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Spectators are welcome and we are encouraging alumni to come out and show their pride!  

 

The Doubles Wildcard Tournament will be held in conjunction with the National Championship Doubles tournament held at the National Tennis Center from December 26-31. This draw is open and we anticipate several college players, former college players and juniors. The winning team of this event will receive a Gold Ball as well as the wildcard into the New York Open Doubles main draw. 

 

Click here for the event flyer.