The DC Open Washington WTA is due to take place between 21-27 July and is the start of the traditional run in towards the US Open.
The tournament last year was won by Paula Badosa. She defeated Marie Bouzkova in the final. It began the revival of the Spaniard who claimed her first title since 2022.
She won 6-1, 4-6, 6-4. The Spaniard return to the top 10 after this but in reality has stalled as a crippling back injury has derailed her momentum.
She was second seed behind Jessica Pegula who had a poor Wimbledon campaign and will aim to return to her best. It will begin her run-in towards the US Open. Albeit Badosa withdrew leaving Pegula and Navarro as the leading lights.
The prize money is also set with the winner sealing $197,570. The finalist will claim $121,880.
While for reaching the semi-finals, it is $71,205. Quarter-Finalists seal $37,530. For reaching the second round, it is $19,085.
First round claims $13,585. While points wise, it is 500 points for the winner. For reaching the final, it is 325 points while for semi-finals, it is 195 points.
Round
Points
Earnings (USD)
First round
1
$13,585
Round of 16
60
$19,085
Quarterfinals
108
$37,530
Semifinals
195
$71,205
Finalist
325
$121,880
Champion
500
$197,570
Predictions
Samuel Gill, Head Editor of TennisUpToDate sees Jessica Pegula rising to the occasion with Emma Navarro also figuring.
Venus Williams and Emma Raducanu will likely take a lot of column inches in the coming days in Washington but I think it has be the tried and tested.
That being Jessica Pegula. The World No.4 had a poor Wimbledon and often in the past few months has only flattered to deceive in the bigger tournaments. So coming back to America having had a few weeks off to manage it could be the best tonic.
She will likely be joined by my money in the reckoning by Emma Navarro. Amanda Anisimova also makes her return post Wimbledon while I'd also keep an eye out for Anna Kalinskaya especially if she plays Pegula at any point. A stacked line-up and quality tournament to kick off the US Open run-in.
Favourites:
*** Jessica Pegula
** Emma Navarro, Amanda Anisimova
* Anna Kalinskaya, Emma Raducanu, Marta Kostyuk
Cristhian Avila, Editor for TennisUpToDate.com sees two main contenders for the title and they happen to be the two biggest names.
Jessica Pegula's consistency is undeniable, as is her ability to come through when under pressure. The World No. 4 defends a large number of points throughout the American swing, and this will undoubtedly be her best opportunity to earn good points without facing the most powerful names on the Tour, considering she is the only top-10 player in the draw.
However, there will be Elena Rybakina, who, when physically well, can absolutely win any title. By tennis ability, she is the name to follow. The Kazakh will be eager for a title and a return to the top 10, as well as sending a message to 'Sabalenka/Gauff/Swiatek' that they shouldn't forget Rybakina’s name.
Clara Tauson and Sofia Kenin are names that I find interesting on hardcourts and have more than demonstrated their capability on big stages. Tauson's ascent is still unclear as to how far it will go, while Kenin has proven experience, and as a local, she will be strong against any opponent.
Names that could do something interesting are young wildcard Victoria Mboko and Peyton Stearns, two who have shown flashes of great tennis and for whom a good week could give a boost to their careers. There's always an asterisk placed on Naomi Osaka, too; I believe she will return to the top of the Tour sooner rather than later, and what better opportunity than at the start of the hardcourt swing, her favorite surface.