The Citi Open has always been home to some of the best ATP talent in tennis. As players finish up Wimbledon and set sights on the hard court swing, The Citi Open is usually one of the first hard court tournaments top players look forward to. In about a month, 7 of the top 15 ATP players will be participating in this year’s Citi Open in Washington, DC.
Players have been known to use this tournament as major momentum going into the US Open Series. The competition in this tournament, mixed with the American Northeast beaming sun, tend to mimic the conditions they will face when the US Open begins about a month later. With one of the best draws the tournament has ever had on the ATP side, this year seems to really be up for grabs.
There are many players to keep an eye on. One in particular, is 20 year old Stefanos Tsitsipas. After losing in the semi-finals last year to the eventual champion Alexander Zverev, Stefanos really came into his own. Fast forward a year down the road, he is now ranked #6 in the ATP rankings following an early exit at this year’s Wimbledon.
Current top 10 players like Kevin Anderson, and Karen Khachanov will all be huge threats as the draw is wide open this year. Some Americans who look to take advantage of playing on U.S. soil are John Isner, Reilly Opelka, Sam Querrey, and especially Washington DC natives, Frances Tiafoe and Denis Kudla. Frances has really come into his own in the past year with his success making the quarter finals in the 2019 Australian Open.
Some young next-gens under the age of 21 to keep an eye out for are Felix Auger-Aliassime, Denis Shapovalov, and Alex de Minaur. Felix is currently at a career high ranking of #21, and is the youngest player ranked in the top 100 at 18 years old. His fellow good friend from Canada, Denis Shapovalov, reached the top 20 this year for the first time, and is currently #27. Alex de Minaur comes back this year after making an unbelievable run last year at the Citi Open, losing in the championship. The 20 year old Australian went on a run last year defeating Vasek Pospisil, Stevie Johnson, Hyeon Chung, and Andrey Rublev before running into Zverev. Will this year’s champion be one from the next-gen class?
Like I said, this year’s Citi Open is absolutely beyond stacked. I haven’t even mentioned that Gael Monfils, the 2016 Citi Open champion will be in the draw. I haven’t even mentioned 2014 US Open champion, Marin Cilic is in the field. Former world #3, Milos Raonic will also be there. Former world #4, and 13 ATP title holder, Tomas Berdych is in this draw. Former world #5, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will be making an appearance. Any one of these players can make a huge run in this tournament and take the title.
Another player who has incredible talent and iconic victories under his belt is Nick Kyrgios. After having to withdraw last year because of injury, he will look to secure another ATP title and prove he is one of the most talented players on tour.
So here we are, less than a month away from The Citi Open. Washington, DC. July 27th. Rock Creek Tennis Center. 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.
