Key US Open warm-up event Washington Open draw drops with Gauff-Osaka a likely early match

The 2022 North American hard court season continues with the Washington Open, and the draw features numerous interesting match-ups. The qualifying matches begin today, while the main draw starts from Monday. Ad/> It is the first WTA event of the summer in the US, and follows the ATP-only Hall of Fame Open and Atlanta Open.

US Open'I'd literally cry on the court' — Raducanu reveals struggles as younger player28/07/2022 AT 09:37 Venus Williams will be taking part in the event for the first time in her career. «I am excited to be playing the Citi Open for the first time this summer. I love Washington, DC, and returning to the nation’s capital to play in front of a community that has supported me so strongly feels like a homecoming.

I am looking forward to being back on the courts and competing in DC soon.” However, Venus is not among the top seeds. Instead Jessica Pegula, Emma Raducanu, Simona Halep, and Victoria Azarenka lead the field. Williams is one of five WTA Grand Slam champions in the field, alongside Raducanu, Halep, Azarenka, Sloane Stephens and Sofia Kenin.

No. 2 seed Raducanu faces a tough run to the final, with Marie Bouzkova her opening oppponent and Kenin and Elise Mertens also on her side of the draw. Williams is also a potential opponent, if she goes on a run in Washington.

/> Bouzkova though is in action in Prague and would have to withdraw from Washington if she advances to the final there. Britain's Heather Watson will attempt to play her way into the tournament through qualifying, and faces Australia's Astra Sharma today. Pegula is actually the reigning champion, having won the last edition of the event in 2019.