Event of the Day: Day 1 of the Citi Open
Our event of the day is Day 1 of the Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center in Washington, D.C.. The hardcourt tournament features a world class pool of tennis stars this week. World number three Alexander Zverev will be aiming to defend his title following a disappointing third round exit at Wimbledon. He will face stiff competition from world number five Kevin Anderson. The big serving South African had a heroic Wimbledon, knocking out the iconic Roger Federer and emerging victorious in a frantic five set semi-final. Having ultimately finished runner up at Wimbledon and the Citi Open last year, Anderson will be eager to go one better this time around. His defeated Wimbledon semi-final opponent, world number nine John Isner, is also in action in Washington. However, it is not just the highest ranked players to keep an eye on. Three-time grand slam champion Andy Murray continues his comeback from injury as he faces Mackenzie McDonald today. This will be the former world number one’s third tournament since he underwent hip surgery in January. Stan Wawrinka is another triple grand slam champion attempting to get back to his best following time on the side lines. The Swiss star showed glimpses of the form that saw him reach a career high of third in the ATP rankings as he knocked out Gregor Dimitrov in the opening round of Wimbledon. Today he plays American Donald Young in an exciting clash.
Further big names can be found in the women’s draw. US Open champion Sloane Stephens, World number seventeen Naomi Osaka and World number two Caroline Wozniacki are all taking part this week. An expected good game today is the clash between American Caroline Dolehide and Croatian seventh seed Donna Vekić. Preparation for the US Open starts now - it should be a great day of tennis.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Women’s Hockey World Cup at the Lee Valley Centre in London. Belgium play Spain, followed by Argentina versus New Zealand. Argentina got off to a blistering start to the tournament, beating Spain 6-2 in their opening match. However, this was followed by defeat to a good Germany side and a 1-1 draw with South Africa, a team the Spanish battered 7-1 two days earlier. Victory in today’s games will see the winners progress to the quarter-finals. Elsewhere in the UK, Yorkshire face Derbyshire at Headingley in the Natwest T20 Blast. On the WTA Tour, the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic takes place in San Jose, with the likes of Serena Williams and Maddison Keys in action. There are multiple MLB fixtures across the United States: the series between the Los Angeles Dodges and the Milwaukee Brewers begins at Dodger Stadium, the Boston Red Sox host the Philadelphia Phillies and the Houston Astros travel to Washington state to face the Seattle Mariners. The battle for one of sailings most illustrious prizes takes place in Aarhus, Denmark, where the World Sailing Championships begin.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by Citi Open (1st picture); Steven Pisano (2nd picture)