Several US tennis stars are set to begin their American hardcourt campaign at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, which got underway on Monday. Some of the big American names, including Jessica Pegula, Ben Shelton, and Frances Tiafoe, have been spotted honing their skills ahead of their tournament debut.
Sneak Peek Into US Tennis Stars’ Preparations for the Citi Open in Washington DC
The Mubadala Citi DC Open, the only combined ATP-WTA 500-level tennis tournament in the world, has attracted some of the biggest tennis stars this year.
Shelton and Tiafoe, two of the biggest names in American tennis, took to the practice courts ahead of their debuts at the tournament. The Citi Open shared a moment from their practice session when Shelton exhibited his game. The World No. 8 thundered down a massive serve, prompting an airborne return from his No. 11-ranked compatriot. Shelton perfectly snatched the ball out of the air with his racket.
The Mubadala Citi Open shared the clip on its official Instagram page along with the caption “skills.”
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The duo is set to pair up in the doubles draw at the tournament. Notably, the Citi Open is a home tournament for Tiafoe, who hails from Hyattsville in D.C. The American pair will face Olympic gold medallists Matthew Ebden and John Peers in their opening match.
Pegula, ranked No. 4 in the world, was joined by her hard-hitting countrywoman for a practice session. The Citi Open shared several photographs and a video clip of the duo practicing with the caption: “Good vibes only. Jessie Pegula and Danielle Collins having a little practice sesh ahead of the main draw in DC!”
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In 2025, Pegula won titles in Austin, Charleston, and Bad Homburg and was runner-up in Adelaide and Miami. Despite strong performances on the tour, she has struggled to replicate her success at the Grand Slam level.
Collins has had a steady 2025 season, reaching the third round at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon. The 31-year-old advanced to the fourth round in Miami and the quarterfinals in Charleston, losing to eventual champions Sabalenka and Pegula, respectively.
Venus Williams Is Set to Make a Highly Anticipated Return at the Citi Open
Former World No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams is set to make her highly anticipated return to tennis at the Mubadala Citi DC Open. Williams, who is listed as ‘inactive’ on the WTA website, accepted a wildcard to compete at the event.Â
Earlier this year, the organizers of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells announced that Williams would be playing there. However, Williams later pulled out of the event.
The older Williams sister played her last WTA Tour match in March 2024, when she lost in the opening round of the Miami Open to Russia’s Diana Shnaider.
