The tennis world is already buzzing as the North American hardcourt swing kicks into gear, with the Mubadala Citi DC Open set to be a major battleground. Fans are getting their first glimpses of the sport’s biggest names ramping up for the US Open, and two American fan favorites, Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe, have officially hit the courts in Washington D.C. They were even spotted sharing a laugh while grinding through practice on Thursday, putting in the hard yards under the summer sun. But while the vibe might be light for some, another player’s situation has a much heavier cloud hanging over it.
Shelton and Tiafoe Looking to Make a Run on Home Turf
Ben Shelton, who is defending 200 ranking points from his semifinal run here last year, is looking to turn things around after a tough Wimbledon where he was bounced in the first round. His season has been a bit of a mixed bag, with only one ATP Masters 1000 win and five Grand Slam match victories across three events. Still, the guy’s got game, picking up three titles this season, including two at the 500 level in Dallas and Munich. It is definitely worth noting that Shelton was seen wearing a left-arm sleeve during practice. Meanwhile, Frances Tiafoe, a local favorite, is chasing his very first DC Open title. He’s coming in hot after winning his biggest career title at Halle last month, even with a third-round exit at Wimbledon. Tiafoe, who was actually beaten by Shelton in the 2025 quarterfinal here, is riding a wave of renewed confidence, and the home crowd is going to be absolutely electric for him.
Jack Draper’s Quiet Struggle and a Major Shift
Then there is Jack Draper. His season has been absolutely brutal, plagued by injuries that have kept him off the court for extended periods. The Brit has tumbled to a No. 147 world ranking, grabbing a wildcard spot for the DC Open because he just could not get direct entry into the Masters 1000 events in Canada and Cincinnati. This guy is desperate for ranking points. What is really turning heads, though, is who he has brought along: three-time Grand Slam champ Andy Murray joined Draper’s coaching team before the grass season, and the high-profile duo was seen practicing together on Thursday. And if that was not enough, Draper, who typically uses Dunlop rackets, was spotted experimenting with a blacked-out racket. With those lingering arm injury concerns, that racket change is something everyone should be watching closely.
The Mubadala Citi DC Open is stacked with talent, including Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and defending champion Alex de Minaur. This tournament is crucial for these players to build momentum heading into the Canadian Open and, more importantly, the US Open. For Draper, this is not just about points, it is about getting back on track and showing the tennis world he is still a force.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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