Women’s tennis stars headed to San Diego for new, historic tourney

“We should have things like that here.” Ryan Redondo • CEO and GM of Barnes Tennis Center and Youth Tennis San Diego

The staid name of the women’s tennis tournament coming to San Diego in October fails to sell the real and significant sizzle.

The San Diego Open WTA 500 will land Oct. 8-16 at Barnes Tennis Center. It hardly bear-hugs the marketing potential of memorable monikers like the

Super Bowl, Frozen Four or Royal Rumble.

Why does the tournament matter so mightily?

Because it means serve-andvolley royalty like Naomi Osaka, Sloane Stephens, Coco Gauff, Madison Keys and former world No. 1 Simona Halep could be lured to play, with Grand Slam winner Serena Williams and sister Venus offering a reason to dream. Because it becomes the highest-level tournament — men’s or women’s — to be played in San Diego proper.

Because, in a city starved for the cream of the crop in sports, here they come.

“You can see the best athletes in the world up close and personal,” said tournament director Ryan Redondo, the CEO and GM of

Barnes and Youth Tennis San Diego. “It’s a boutique-style event, so they’ll be 10 feet away from you at times.

“You want to be in the Olympic Village? You’ll be in the Olympic Village here.”

The last time WTA tennis was played in San Diego County was 2015, a 125-level tournament at

The inaugural San Diego Open WTA 500 will feature the world’s top women’s tennis players. When, where:

Tennis Center. The $823,000 tournament will feature a 32-player singles draw and 16-team doubles draw. www.wtasdopen.com

Format:

More info:

Oct. 8-16, Barnes