As the Mubadala Citi DC Open commenced this Monday, several top US tennis players, including Ben Shelton, Jessica Pegula, and Frances Tiafoe, have been actively preparing for the tournament. This event marks a significant stage for these athletes to kick off their American hardcourt season while showcasing their talents ahead of the main draw.
The Citi Open, held in Washington DC, is uniquely positioned as the only combined ATP-WTA 500-level event worldwide, drawing some of the sport’s most prominent names this year. Shelton, ranked World No. 8, and Tiafoe, ranked No. 11, were seen practicing together, highlighting their strong form and teamwork before their matches.
Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe Display Intense Practice Sessions Ahead of Tournament
At the practice courts, Shelton demonstrated his powerful serving ability, striking a massive serve that required Tiafoe to make a remarkable airborne return. In a moment captured and shared by the tournament‘s official Instagram, Shelton skillfully intercepted the return mid-air, exemplifying his quick reflexes and fine technique.
The pair will also compete as a doubles team in the tournament, starting their campaign against Olympic gold medallists Matthew Ebden and John Peers. For Tiafoe, the Citi Open represents a home tournament since he comes from Hyattsville, near Washington DC, adding an extra layer of motivation for the duo.
Jessica Pegula and Danielle Collins Prepare with Enthusiasm for the Main Draw
World No. 4 Jessica Pegula was seen practicing alongside fellow American Danielle Collins, both focusing on sharpening their games before their respective matches. The Citi Open shared visuals of their session with the caption,
“Good vibes only. Jessie Pegula and Danielle Collins having a little practice sesh ahead of the main draw in DC!”—Mubadala Citi DC Open Team
Pegula enjoyed a successful 2025 season, capturing titles in Austin, Charleston, and Bad Homburg, while reaching finals in Adelaide and Miami. Despite her strong record on the tour, she has found replicating her success at Grand Slam tournaments to be challenging.
Collins also had a consistent year, advancing to the third rounds of the Australian Open and Wimbledon. She reached the fourth round in Miami and the quarterfinals in Charleston, matches in which she faced and was bested by eventual champions Aryna Sabalenka and Pegula.
Venus Williams to Make an Emotional Return at the Citi Open
Adding notable excitement to the event, former World No. 1 Venus Williams accepted a wildcard entry to the Citi Open, signaling a highly anticipated return to competitive tennis. Although currently listed as inactive on the WTA website, Williams plans to use this tournament as a comeback platform after a hiatus earlier this year.
Earlier plans had Williams set to compete at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, but she later withdrew from that event. Her most recent WTA match was at the Miami Open in March 2024, where she lost in the first round to Russia’s Diana Shnaider.
Implications for the US Tennis Landscape and Upcoming Matches
The preparations of Ben Shelton and other American stars such as Jessica Pegula, Frances Tiafoe, and Danielle Collins highlight the depth and competitiveness present in US tennis heading into this year’s Mubadala Citi DC Open. Shelton’s powerful play and Tiafoe’s home advantage suggest potential strong showings in both singles and doubles draws.
Venus Williams’s return adds a historic dimension to the tournament, potentially inspiring other players and fans alike. As the tournament progresses, the performances of these key figures will be closely watched, signaling future momentum for the American hardcourt season and the ongoing tennis calendar.