Whilst it might seem strange to already be looking beyond Wimbledon, these are the decisions that top players have to make to forge their calendars ahead of time.
And it’s definitely worth noting when stars like Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper are both signing up, adding to an already star-studded lineup set to take place when the hard-court season rolls back around.
For now, the former of this duo continues to compete in Queen’s, whilst the latter is still battling to be fit enough for Eastbourne.
The hope is that both can enjoy a strong final few weeks of the grass-court campaign, shine at Wimbledon, and be ready to compete when the Washington Open comes around.
Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper join Venus Williams in Washington Open lineup
Whilst these represent two of the biggest names in tennis, and certainly two of Britain’s best talents, they will have to be at their very best if they are to enjoy any kind of success in this American event.
After all, on both the men’s and women’s sides, there is plenty of talent.
Raducanu will have to bypass stars like Venus Williams, Victoria Mboko, Iva Jovic and Marta Kostyuk, whilst Draper, whose fitness still remains uncertain, joins stars like Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe and Tommy Paul, as well as last year’s champion, Alex de Minaur.
Who won the Washington Open last year?
Last year saw a weakened field at the Washington Open on both the men’s and women’s side, resulting in a hugely competitive event with two worthy winners.
De Minaur came out on top in the ATP event, but didn’t have to face a single top ten opponent on his way to the title, beating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the final.
Meanwhile, in the women’s draw, it was Leylah Fernandez who emerged victorious to claim her fifth WTA title.
The tournament also stood out for being the one where Venus claimed a win in the singles draw, making her the oldest woman to win a WTA Tour-level singles match since Martina Navratilova at Wimbledon in 2004.
What would be a good grass-court season for Emma Raducanu?
Finally back in the win column!
Stars like Jessica Pegula, Elena Rybakina, Taylor Fritz and Lorenzo Musetti all underperformed.
