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Draper’s Washington Return Draws Attention as De Minaur Faces Tsitsipas

Practice form, wildcards and a tough opening draw this week could shape who carries momentum into Montreal and the US Open.

Overview

  • The Mubadala DC Open main draw opened on Monday, July 27, with defending champion Alex de Minaur handed a difficult first-round match against Stefanos Tsitsipas.
  • Jack Draper received a Washington wildcard and has Andy Murray coaching him as he returns from arm and knee injuries, saying he feels fitter and more confident ahead of his match with Alex Michelsen.
  • A widely reported practice set at the venue saw Draper beat No. 2 seed Ben Shelton 6-1, a result that prompted praise for Draper’s serve and concerns from observers about Shelton’s forehand.
  • Shelton remains in the field as the No. 2 seed and will face a qualifier or lucky loser after Ethan Quinn withdrew with a right metatarsal injury, while Trinity Rodman has been at the venue supporting him.
  • Draper’s ranking near world No.147 leaves him dependent on wildcards for Grand Slams, and commentators are watching Washington as a short window for him to make a case to USTA decision‑makers for a US Open wildcard.