Citi DC Open: Six Players Withdraw From Event

The ATP and WTA entry lists at last year’s Citi DC Open in Washington were hampered by many top players competing at the 2024 Olympics. That restriction does not exist at next week’s iteration of the tournament. 2024 US Open runner-ups Taylor Fritz and Jessica Pegula, Ben Shelton, and 2022 Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina are among those who have committed to the event. There have also been several high-profile withdrawals, which are outlined in this article.

Six Players Withdraw From Citi DC Open

Which Players Have Withdrawn?

Paula Badosa will not return to defend the title she won in 2024. That triumph was the Spaniard’s first in over two years and a reward for her hard work recovering from a severe back injury. Sadly, back issues have plagued the former world No. 2 again since. Badosa announced that she would miss the next few weeks with a lower back problem and thanked those who have continued to support her through a challenging period.

Sebastian Korda also elected to withdraw, meaning neither of last year’s champions will appear at the Citi DC Open. The American won his most significant title to date by beating Flavio Cobolli 4-6 6-2 6-0 in the final. He has not played since the French Open because of a stress fracture in his right shin. There is no timeline for the 25-year-old’s return to the ATP Tour.

Amanda Anisimova was the third player to withdraw from the Citi DC Open. She had an incredible run to this year’s Wimbledon final, including a semifinal win against Aryna Sabalenka that contained some heated moments between the pair. However, Anisimova’s level dipped dramatically in a 0-6, 0-6 final loss to Iga Swiatek. After that brutal ending and her effort to get that far, the 23-year-old’s move was unsurprising.

Jakub Mensik was the fourth player to withdraw from the tournament in Washington. This year’s Miami Open champion most recently lost in the third round of Wimbledon to Cobolli. The Czech has posted pictures of himself on holiday in recent days, and his decision not to play in the US capital seems to be about taking a break rather than because of any physical issue.

Ekaterina Alexandrova and Tomas Machac were the other players who removed themselves from the Citi DC Open entry list.

Who Replaced Those Players on the Entry List?

Anastasia Potapova took Badosa’s place. Hopefully, she will be fit after missing Wimbledon because of a physical issue sustained at the Berlin Open. Potapova does not possess Badosa’s firepower, but causes opponents problems with her dogged and determined style. Christopher O’Connell replaced Korda at the Citi DC Open. After a solid couple of seasons, the Australians’ results have declined this year, including losing in the opening round at the three Grand Slams played. He will try to find inspiration in front of the fans in Washington.

Rising star Maya Joint moved onto the entry list because Anisimova decided to withdraw. The 19-year-old won the Morocco Open in May and the Eastbourne Open last month, beating Alexandra Eala 6-4 1-6 7-6 in a thrilling battle. She has a chance to add a maiden WTA hard-court title at the Citi DC Open. Benjamin Bonzi benefited from Mensik’s withdrawal. The Frenchman created headlines at Wimbledon by beating 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev in the opening round.

Hailey Baptiste and Learner Tien were the other two players who moved onto the Citi DC Open entry list.