DC Open Preview with Owner Mark Ein: Doubles Field, Mic'd Up Players, ATP Costs, & More

Mark Ein is the owner of the DC Open, an ATP and WTA 500 tournament starting on July 25. I spoke with Mark the week leading up to the tournament about how he has built the DC Open into one of the premier 500-level tournaments in the world.We discuss doubles' role in the tournament, his passion for tennis, and plans for the 2026 tournament. Mark also shares his thoughts on the ATP doubles cuts. Mark’s background in sports and business, starting as a ball kid at the tournamentWhy he features star-driven doubles teams and actively recruits singles players into doublesWhat the final week of tournament operations really looks like behind the scenes2026 upgrades to the fan experience including stadium upgrades, merch expansion, and the new “front porch” viewing areaWhy selling an all-day, all-week experience beats marketing individual players in tennisThe advantages of a combined ATP & WTA 500 level event and why it is rarer than fans thinkHow mic'd up doubles players can create must-watch social content and bring fans closer to strategyDoes ATP doubles cost his tournament money?Mark has some candid responses, and I appreciate his drive to promote and innovate our sport, something tennis needs. Be sure to watch the DC Open all next week!Learn more about Mark & follow:InstagramTwitter/XDC Open Tournament Page -----**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.Learn More & Sign Up Here**Other Free Doubles Content**Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course