Washington 500 Preview - Fritz, Shelton headline Mubadala, De Minaur vs Tsitipsas Round 1 showdown

The North American hard-court swing is underway, and Washington has delivered a blockbuster opening week.

We preview both the ATP and WTA 500 draws, headlined by defending champions Alex de Minaur and Leylah Fernandez. De Minaur faces a dangerous early test against Stefanos Tsitsipas, while Jack Draper, Arthur Fils and rising star Rafael Jodar feature in some of the tournament’s most intriguing matchups.

On the women’s side, Jessica Pegula enters as the favourite, but Naomi Osaka, Fernandez and wildcard Venus Williams will all be looking to make an early statement before the US Open.

We also discuss Australian teenager Cruz Hewitt’s unusual journey into his first ATP main draw and ask which players most need a big week in Washington.