There's new life for a longstanding US Open Series event this summer. The result - a name change.
The WTA tournament hosted each summer in New Haven, Conn., will remain where it stands after the event secured a new sponsor and state funding.
According to the New Haven Register, the event found a new title sponsor in United Technologies. State officials and event organizers announced the transition during a press conference on Tuesday. The former New Haven Open will now be known as the Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies.
“Though we love New Haven, love being here and love the mayor, the state deserves a share of the recognition as well,” Governor Dannel P. Malloy said. “There’s a great tournament being played here with a great Connecticut company coming in to really play the lead role. It’s an important event for the state.”
The tournament, which had once been a combined men's and women's event, went without a title sponsor for over four years.
Last October, the state agreed to purchase the tournament's sanction from the USTA to fend off a bid from organizers in Winston-Salem, N.C., who currently host an ATP 250 event there.
Defending champion and recent French Open finalist Simona Halep is committed to play this year, along with former winner Caroline Wozniacki.
The Connecticut Open will be held from August 15-23.