Storied Ojai Tennis Tournament Cancelled
Again Due To COVID-19 Virus

Started in 1896, One Of Nation’s Oldest Tournaments Scheduled For April 21-25 Is Called Off By Tournament Organizers For Second Consecutive Year Because of Ongoing Pandemic

OJAI, Calif. (February 18, 2021) – For the second consecutive year – and seventh time in its storied 125-plus year history – the 2021 Ojai Tennis Tournament scheduled for April 21-25 has been cancelled because of ongoing concerns over the COVID-19 virus.

In a vote by Ojai Valley Tennis Club board members on Wednesday night, it was determined the 120th edition of the tournament would not take place at the end of April like it has traditionally since its inception in 1896.

The Ojai serves as the men’s and women’s dual-match Pac-12 Championships, as well as other collegiate events, the California Community College Athletic Association State Championships, Boys’ CIF-Southern Section divisions, men’s and women’s open prize money events and junior divisions.

The Pac-12 Conference is still competing in limited men’s and women’s dual tennis matches this season and will now search for an alternate site to host their year-end championships.

Ojai Valley Tennis Club President, Duane Williamson, and Ojai Tennis Tournament Executive Director, Katrina Rice Schmidt, released a joint statement on the tournament’s cancellation:

“We were busy making plans for a scaled down version of The Ojai Tennis Tournament with no spectators, but the decision to cancel this year’s tournament simply came down to the fact that in this environment we could not ensure the safety of all of our volunteers as well as the greater Ojai Community. We are all very disappointed that we will not be holding this year’s event and yet at the same time feel it is the correct and responsible decision to make. We are encouraged that as the ongoing vaccination rollout continues, we’ll be able to return to the courts and be back for play in 2022.”

The tournament, headquartered in downtown Ojai and played at venerable Libbey Park and throughout West Ventura County, started in 1896, and has been played every year except for seven years; once for the infectious hoof and mouth disease (1924), four years during World War II (1943-46) and now twice because of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021).

Each year, 27 different divisions are contested at The Ojai with more than 1,250 players. Free freshly squeezed orange juice is served in Libbey Park, as well as tea poured from silver urns under the classic tea tent and served by just some of the tournament’s 600 volunteers.

For more news surrounding The Ojai, visit the website at: www.TheOjai.net and like on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/TheOjaiTennisTournament;

Follow on Twitter: Twitter.com/TheOjai; And on Instagram: @OjaiTennis.

About The Ojai

The Ojai Valley Tennis Club, Inc., is a non-profit organization that was established in 1895 by William Thacher. In 1896, the Ojai Valley Tennis Club initiated its first valley-wide tournament consisting of a single elimination mixed doubles event and The Ojai was born. Today the Ojai Valley Tennis Club is still running The Ojai but has broadened its mission to promoting interest in physical fitness and tennis, and providing recreational facilities for young people throughout the area.