WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – Some of the top American tennis players are competing in the nation’s capital this summer at the Mubadala DC Open, a warm-up tournament for the U.S. Open in New York City.
The tournament was co-founded by tennis legend Arthur Ashe in 1969. Players including Andre Agassi and Venus Williams — who is competing in this year’s tournament — have participated over the years. A portion of proceeds benefits the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation, which works to improve the lives of children in lower-income households.
Fans from Richmond, Va., London and Washington said the event gave them a rare chance to see professional players up close.
“It’s pretty amazing to watch the players and how fast they can hit it,” said Alex Spears, 11, a tennis fan from Richmond. “And when you get to autograph them, they get really close to you. It’s pretty cool.”
Liam Shannon, 14, also from Richmond, said the experience was unlike watching the sport on television. “It is very cool. It’s something that like, you only ever see on TV and it’s like you’re there in the moment. It’s incredible.”
Ayaan Ahsan, 9, a fan from London, praised the players’ skill. “How hard they hit the ball and like the technique is just like just like there’s nothing wrong about it,” he said.
Gigi, a fan from Washington, said the players’ accessibility stood out. “Loving the tournament. I’m loving the professional tennis players here. They’re greeting me. They’re so friendly. The atmosphere is awesome, yes,” she said.
Players in this year’s field include Ben Shelton, Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro and Naomi Osaka.
“I know one day I’m going to be playing with you lots,” Ayaan said
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