The 2025 Citi Open in Washington, D.C., marks the start of tennis’ North American hardcourt season ahead of the US Open, with the ATP-WTA 500 event scheduled from July 21–27. While the tournament welcomes back Venus Williams for her first match since the 2024 Miami Open, and features top-ranked stars like Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz, five prominent players will be conspicuously absent due to injuries and scheduling decisions.
Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, headlines the women’s field alongside World No. 4 Pegula, Emma Raducanu, Naomi Osaka, and reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina. On the men’s side, Taylor Fritz leads a group including Holger Rune, Ben Shelton, and Andrey Rublev. Despite the strong roster, recent withdrawals have shifted attention to athletes sidelined by physical setbacks.
Amanda Anisimova, fresh off a runner-up finish at Wimbledon following a dominant semifinal win over Aryna Sabalenka, withdrew after her lopsided loss to Iga Swiatek in the final. The American, who fell 6-0, 6-0 at the All England Club, is skipping Washington to regroup before the Canadian Open, where she reached the final in 2024.
Defending women’s champion Paula Badosa also pulled out due to persistent back injuries that disrupted her season. The Spaniard, who triumphed over Marie Bouzkova in last year’s final, has struggled with recurring health issues since retiring mid-match at February’s Mérida Open. Her abbreviated appearances at Roland Garros and Wimbledon preceded further withdrawals from Berlin and the upcoming Canadian Open, casting doubt on her return timeline.
Tommy Paul, currently recovering from an abdominal injury sustained during his French Open quarterfinal against Carlos Alcaraz, withdrew after a second-round Wimbledon exit. The 2023 Queen’s Club champion opted to prioritize recovery, though personal milestones softened the blow: He recently announced his engagement to longtime partner Paige Lorenze.
Reigning men’s champion Sebastian Korda will miss his title defense due to a stress fracture in his shin, sustained during the clay-court season. The injury also forced him out of Wimbledon, continuing a pattern of physical setbacks for the American, who underwent elbow surgery after the 2024 US Open.
Rounding out the absentees is World No. 9 Zheng Qinwen, who withdrew following a first-round Wimbledon exit—her third consecutive early loss at the event. The Chinese star, visibly hampered during a three-set defeat to Anisimova at Queen’s Club, remains on the entry list for the Canadian Open, offering hope for a swift return.
As Washington prepares to host the season’s opening hardcourt clashes, the tournament balances the excitement of Williams’ comeback with the reality of athletes navigating the sport’s physical demands.