HOUSTON – Tennis fans in Houston have a chance to see some of the sport’s top players up close as a historic tournament returns to the city.
The Fayez Sarofim U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships will take place at River Oaks Country Club from March 28 through April 5.
It’s a one-of-a-kind event, the only professional men’s clay court tournament still played in the United States.,
Tournament organizers say the event dates back nearly a century.
“We started in 1931, holding a tennis tournament at River Oaks Country Club, and this year we’ll mark our 90th year,” tournament director Bronwyn Greer said.
This year’s field includes some of the biggest names in American tennis, including Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul and rising star Learner Tien.
Unlike larger venues, River Oaks offers fans a more intimate experience.
“You can see the court is less than 100 feet behind us, and to get to the boxes you’re walking on the court, that’s almost unheard of these days,” Greer said. “We pride ourselves on giving fans that up-close and personal experience.”
The clay surface itself also adds to the appeal, creating higher bounces and longer rallies that many players and fans love.
One of the biggest draws this year: free admission during opening weekend.
Fans can attend qualifying matches on:
Saturday, March 28
Sunday, March 29
No tickets are required, and matches are expected to begin around 11 a.m.
Organizers say it’s a rare opportunity to watch professional tennis at no cost.
The tournament will feature qualifying rounds over the weekend, followed by main draw matches throughout the week leading up to the finals.
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