The Citi Open starts today!
Part of what makes the Washington DC Citi Open so interesting is that the biggest stars of tennis usually don't play, giving other exciting players a chance to hog the spotlight. Not only is there less prize money and ranking points, there are other events going on. We usually see the biggest stars start their road to the U.S. Open in Toronto/Montreal.
Last year's winner, Juan Martin del Potro, is still recovering from wrist surgery. However, ATP no. 5 Tomas Berdych , no. 7 Milos Raonic and no. 11 Kei Nishikori will be playing. American John Isner (no. 12) is also playing, coming off a nice win in Atlanta. He remains the biggest hope for an American win.
The top three seeds for the 2014 Citi Open are Berdych, Raonic, and Kei Nishikori. Gregor Dimitrov, currently ranked no. 9, has pulled out due to a sinus infection and flu. Dimitrov would have been taken the no. 3 seed.
On the women's side, WTA no. 7 Eugenie Bouchard has withdrawn after making it to the finals at Wimbledon. No. 143 Taylor Townsend, meanwhile, has made it to the main draw and will play tonight. But, it's Sloane Stephens, no. 4, who is America's best bet for a win on the women's side.
The top three seeds on the women's side are Lucie Safarova, Ekaterina Makarova and Alize Cornet. Sloane Stephens is seeded fourth.
What do you think? Who will win this year's Citi Open?
Who Will Win the 2014 Citi Open?
