Citi D.C. Open Highlights
As the tennis world enters a new week, the spotlight is firmly on the Citi D.C. Open, highlighting some intriguing developments in the sport. Notably, Venus Williams makes her comeback as she steps onto the court for the first time since the 2024 Miami Open, competing in both singles and doubles at the age of 45.
Williams, who had been inactive for over a year, is set to partner with 23-year-old Hailey Baptiste against Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue, the latter born just months before Williams secured her last Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2008. Her return appears to extend beyond this tournament, as she has enlisted veteran coach Nick Saviano, aiming for a series of matches leading up to the U.S. Open, a tournament she won in 2000 and 2001.
In a recent press conference, Williams expressed confidence in her abilities, stating, “I definitely feel I’ll play well. I’m still the same player.”
Canadian Open Withdrawals
Meanwhile, the Canadian Open is already making waves, albeit for less favorable reasons. Several top players, including Aryna Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz, have announced their withdrawals. Sabalenka cited fatigue after an intense season, comprising 56 matches since January. Alcaraz and Sinner are both looking to recover mentally and physically from their recent Wimbledon performances. Djokovic, ever the strategist, refrains from playing additional events before major tournaments.
Competitive News
In more competitive news, Alexander Bublik defied his previous statements about disliking clay by clinching his first title on the surface at the Swiss Open in Gstaad. This unexpected victory came after he reached the quarterfinals at the French Open last month. Despite falling short in Wimbledon earlier this summer, where he exited in the first round, Bublik’s relentless playing style has propelled him to the No. 30 spot in the ATP rankings, up from No. 76 just a few months ago.
Meanwhile, Casper Ruud, currently ranked No. 12, faced challenges of his own, dealing with a knee injury that forced him out of the grass season and culminating in a quarterfinal loss at the EFG Swiss Open.
Looking Ahead
As the hard-court season approaches, the tennis calendar reveals a heavy toll on the athletes, with many showcasing signs of burnout. The increasing demands of the sport have prompted calls for a reassessment of the structure of the tennis calendar. This week’s matches promise excitement and unpredictability as the players gear up for the next leg of the tour, notable for both its emerging stars and the revered veterans making their mark once more.
