HOUSTON, January 22, 2020 (Press Release)

Cristian Garin will return to River Oaks Country Club to defend his Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship title in April.

Garin, 23, became the first player from Chile to win an ATP title in nearly a decade when he triumphed at River Oaks last April. His road to the title included a second round victory over Jeremy Chardy in which he saved five match points. In the semifinal, he defeated two-time US Clay finalist Sam Querrey before downing Casper Ruud in the title match.

“Cristian had an outstanding week to claim our title last year,” said Tournament Director Bronwyn Greer. “It was an impressive performance, from saving match points to winning three three-setters during the week. We’re excited to have him back to Houston in April.”

The US Clay title was the first of two that Garin won last season, later adding the trophy at the ATP event in Munich. He was 20-9 on clay during 2019.

Garin’s success in 2019 propelled him to as high as No. 32 in the Emirates ATP Ranking. He is the highest ranked player to not be a seed at this week’s Australian Open.

As a junior, Garin won the 2013 French Open junior title, and reached as high as No. 4 in the world.

Americans Steve Johnson, John Isner, Sam Querrey and Frances Tiafoe are among the entrants already confirmed for the 2020 US Clay singles field. Additional entries 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.