It’s time for action at one of Connecticut’s annual sporting events, the Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies. The tournament celebrates 20 years of women’s professional tennis in Connecticut this year, with confirmed players to date include World No. 10 and returning champion Agnieszka Radwanska, World No. 12 Petra Kvitova and American Sloane Stephens. More players from across the world will be added.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary, 18-time Grand Slam singles champion Martina Navratilova returns to play the Monday, August 21 evening session in an exhibition mixed doubles match against Mats Wilander, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion. Also returning is the Powershares Series with legends John McEnroe, Michael Chang, Mark Philippoussis and James Blake. On Thursday evening, August 24, Chang will play Blake, and on Friday evening, August 25, McEnroe will take on Philippoussis, with the winners of each match competing in a final on Friday night. The men’s matches will be one set each.

The tournament features activities for adults and kids that includes the Aetna FitZone, live music performances, local food trucks, kids’ activities and more. The tournament is honoring military members and veterans with a special United Technologies Military Appreciation Day on August 26. Other events include ShopRite Kids Day on August 20, Opening Night Ceremony presented by Yale University on
August 21 and Courtgirls & Cocktails on August 22.

The tournament is committed to benefitting the local community by supporting women’s, youth, military and other Connecticut causes throughout the state.

For tickets, information and a complete schedule of events, call 855-464-8366 or visit CTOpen.org. See ad, page 67.