After sellout crowds flocked to Rock Creek Park for the weekend’s qualifying sessions, the Mubadala Citi DC Open kicks off in earnest Monday with a star-studded lineup on the first day of main draw play.
The star gazing already began over the weekend as the mere presence of Venus Williams in Rock Creek Park could be felt by both fans and players alike.
“She's one of the best athletes of all time,” Frances Tiafoe said. “Her and her sister, they're not only great for women's game, not only great for women's sports, but they are so iconic. Obviously in this area, people are going to go crazy to see her.”
Fans won’t have to much longer as Williams returns to the court for the first time in 16 months this afternoon.
In a doubles blockbuster, Williams and DC’s Hailey Baptiste will face the wild-card tandem of Genie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue in the third match of the day on John Harris Court.
“Playing here is like playing at home,” said Williams, who regularly competed with the Washington Kastles in the 2010s and played the Mubadala Citi DC Open in 2022.
“Definitely a love affair with DC and also a great opportunity to play in the US,” Williams said of her wild-card invite. “This is very special for me to come back and play tennis. I think it's a surprise for the fans and a surprise in general.”
Don’t be surprised to see a packed crowd on the intimate John Harris Court which is open to all ticket and outer-court pass holders.
