HOUSTON, January 10, 2020 (Press Release)

Two-time champion Steve Johnson has committed to return to the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship that will take place April 4-12 at River Oaks Country Club.

Johnson, who won back-to-back US Clay titles in 2017-18, will be playing at River Oaks for the eighth time in his career.

“Really excited to come back to River Oaks in April for one of my favorite events of the year,” Johnson said. “Looking to get back on that Sunday and make that jump into the pool.”

Johnson, who owns four career ATP titles, was the first repeat US Clay champion since Andy Roddick in 2001-02. The winner of more than 25 ATP matches in four of the past five seasons, he has appeared in two other ATP finals.

Johnson also owns an Olympic bronze medal, having teamed with former US Clay singles champion Jack Sock to reach the podium in doubles at the 2016 Rio Olympics where he was also a singles quarterfinalist.

Prior to the 2019 tournament at River Oaks, Johnson threw out the first pitch at a Houston Astros game.

In college, Johnson was a member of four NCAA team champions at the University of Southern California. His tenure was highlighted by back-to-back NCAA singles championships which he earned while closing his career with a 72-match winning streak. His coach at USC, Peter Smith, is now working with Johnson on the ATP Tour.

“As a repeat champion at River Oaks, Stevie has a special place in the heart of so many of our fans,” said Tournament Director Bronwyn Greer. “In addition to his success on the court, he is always one of the first players to ask about ways to help our community. We’re very excited to once again be on his playing schedule.”

Johnson will join fellow Americans John Isner, Sam Querrey and Frances Tiafoe in the US Clay 2020 singles field. Additional entrants include Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria, Spain’s Feliciano Lopez and 2019 runner-up Casper Ruud of Norway. Six-time champions Bob and Mike Bryan will return to River Oaks to play doubles in April as part of their final ATP season.

The initial entry list for the 28-player singles field will be released in late February, followed by the early entries among the 16 doubles teams in late March.

All tickets for the 2020 event are on sale now. To purchase or for more information, visit mensclaycourt.com/tickets.