After a tremendous year by Alexander Zverev, the tennis world can agree that his run started here at the prestigious Citi Open. Now standing behind tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, is 21 year old Alexander Zverev ranked #3 in the world. After losing to Milos Raonic in Wimbledon last year, Zverev went on a tear, winning 10 matches in a row and taking home the Citi Open title, as well as the Rogers Cup. Now he’s back, and better than ever. Defending the title this year is definitely on Sascha’s mind, but he has some threats to worry about.
There is no reason to sleep on Kevin Anderson, especially after his unbelievable run in last year’s Citi Open. KA took down Jaziri, Thiem, Bhambri, and Sock to reach last year’s final, carrying his momentum all the way to the U.S. Open final. He has some unfinished business this year with the weapons and confidence to back it up.
Last year’s Citi Open ATP final matchup
Nick Kyrgios, who has the talent to be the best in the world, will be in the 2018 draw after a quick exit last year. Ranked #18 in the world, this beyond talented, hard serving, tweener-hitting Aussie has a great chance to make a run here this year. If Kyrgios is locked in, he’s definitely not somebody you want on your side of the draw. He’s beaten Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray, and it seems like we haven’t even seen his best tennis yet.
Kyrgios on the Citi Open practice courts
Even with these hard hitters, it won’t be easy with Tomas Berdych and John Isner in this year’s draw. With Berdych’s experience and Isner’s booming serve, the Citi Open courts will play to their advantage. The heat of the July & August Washington DC summer will be notable when these players start serving 125+ mph down the tee.
On the other hand, strong forehands and defensive excellence will be on display from the likes of Stevie Johnson, Kei Nishikori, David Goffin, Kyle Edmund, Lucas Pouille and Hyeon Chung. These notable names are always a threat to make a run in any given tournament, and this year, one is due to make that run in this year’s Citi Open. Most notably, Nishikori made a run to the semifinals of last year’s Citi Open before bowing out to Zverev in straight sets.
Onto the next-gen players, the competitors trying to make their names more known around the circuit are Denis Shapovalov, Frances Tiafoe, Andrey Rublev, Stefanos Tsitipitas, and Alex de Minaur. Let’s make note here: each one of these guys are under the age of 21. They’ve all showed spurts of talent throughout this past year and can compete with any given player on the other side of the net. Remember when Zverev was a next-gen trying to break through? Maybe this year’s Citi Open will be the place for one of these young talents to make a run. They all bring speed, high energy, and a tenacity to show doubters they can play with the best.
And now there is one man that the spotlight is on, and that is a tennis legend, Andy Murray. After withdrawing from Wimbledon, Murray is questionable in any given tournament in the next few weeks returning from an injury that had him sidelined for 11 months last year. He showed signs of brilliance on the grass this year, but still isn’t 100% and even though the Citi Open crowd would be ecstatic for his arrival in DC, we’ll know in the next few weeks how his injury is holding up.
Will it be Zverev, Nishikori, Kyrgios, Goffin, or Isner showing their experience having won several titles on tour? Or will it be a surprise when one gets knocked out early and we see a new face holding the title this year?
Only time will tell. July 28th. Washington, DC. One of the best ATP 500 level tournaments in the world. The best of tennis will be on display and only one can hold the trophy. Be ready.
Written by Eric Katz
Edited by Adam Lo
