Emma Raducanu to use Citi Open as US Open title defence warm-up

British tennis star Emma Raducanu has become the first player announced for the Citi Open.

The WTA Tour is set to return to Washington this year after a one-year absence, with the Citi Open once again hosting a WTA 250 event alongside the ATP 500 event in August.

Held at Rock Creek Park Tennis Centre, the tournament is set to feature 32 singles competitors, 16 doubles teams and 16 qualifiers. 

Raducanu, the reigning US Open champion is the first player to join the line-up. 

“The past few weeks have been very exciting for Washington tennis fans,” said Mark Ein, Citi Open chairman. 

“We officially announced the return of the Hologic WTA Tour to the Citi Open, and now, the reigning US Open champion will compete in our player field this August. 

“Emma delighted crowds and took the tennis world by storm last summer when she made her unforgettable run to the US Open title. We can’t wait to welcome Emma to DC for the first time.” 

Raducanu will use the Citi Open to prepare for her US Open title defence, with the Grand Slam scheduled for August 29th to September 11th. 

“I’m thrilled that the Citi Open is bringing back its WTA tournament and I’m really excited to compete on the courts in DC for the first time,” Raducanu said. 

“The past year has been an unforgettable time in my tennis career and I look forward to adding new memories in Washington this summer.”

The 19-year-old became the first qualifier, male or female, to win a Grand Slam last year at Flushing Meadows. She also became the first British woman to secure a Grand Slam title since Virginia Wade in 1977.

Raducanu has been blighted by injury since the US Open – she was hampered by her back at Indian Wells, the ​​Miami Open, Madrid Open and Italian Open, and was forced