The Mubadala Citi DC Open 2025, held at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Washington, D.C., is set to be a spectacle as American tennis stars Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton join forces for an electrifying doubles campaign. The tournament, running from July 19 to July 27, marks a homecoming for Tiafoe, the Hyattsville, Maryland native, and a thrilling opportunity for Shelton, whose infectious energy has made him a fan favorite. Their partnership, sparked by a casual text from Shelton, promises to light up Rock Creek Park, with Tiafoe’s playful declaration, “I love Ben Shelton,” capturing the camaraderie and excitement surrounding their collaboration.
Tiafoe, ranked No. 11 in the ATP standings, thrives in the spotlight of his hometown tournament. The 27-year-old, known for his bold game and vibrant personality, described the event as a “long homecoming,” where he’s greeted like a local hero. “It’s just great to be back home. I think people take that for granted,” he said, reflecting on the love he receives from fans, staff, and even security at the venue. His connection to D.C. is deep, shaped by his humble beginnings and his parents’ journey from Sierra Leone. Tiafoe’s commitment to inspiring communities of color in tennis, following in the footsteps of icons like Arthur Ashe, adds a profound layer to his presence. “It’s also amazing, you know, helping, seeing more people of color want to watch the game, play the game, be around it,” he shared, emphasizing his role in making tennis more inclusive.
Shelton, the No. 8-ranked player, brings his own flair to the court. At 22, the Atlanta-born lefty has surged into the ATP Top 10, a milestone not achieved by three American men simultaneously since 2006. His powerful serve, clocked at 143 mph at the 2024 US Open, and dynamic playing style make him a formidable partner. Fresh off a quarterfinal run at Wimbledon 2025, where he fell to eventual champion Jannik Sinner, Shelton sees the DC Open as critical preparation for the US Open. “I think we should get a good crowd here, and we thought that would be a good place to play,” he said on Sunday, July 20, 2025, before their opening doubles match against Olympic gold medalists Matthew Ebden and John Peers.
The duo’s chemistry is undeniable, forged through fierce battles and shared experiences. Their rivalry, highlighted by a thrilling five-set US Open clash in 2024 where Tiafoe edged out Shelton 4-6, 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-3, has deepened their bond. “No, I love him, and we have had incredible battles, became incredibly close the last few years. Our humor, mannerisms, very much the same. The crowd is going to go nuts,” Tiafoe said, laughing about their recent practice session where fans went wild. Their friendship extends off the court, with Tiafoe playfully teasing Shelton about his girlfriend, soccer star Trinity Rodman, joking, “He thinks he’s from D.C. now, because he has a little girlfriend that plays soccer sometimes, I guess.” Rodman, a forward for the Washington Spirit, shared her excitement for the pairing on Instagram, amplifying the buzz around their campaign.
The DC Open, a combined ATP-WTA 500-level event, boasts a star-studded lineup, including World No. 4 Taylor Fritz and No. 7 Lorenzo Musetti. For Tiafoe, the tournament is a launchpad for the North American hardcourt swing, having propelled him to US Open semifinals in recent years. Shelton, in his third consecutive DC Open doubles appearance, reached the finals in 2023 with Mackenzie McDonald. Their opening match on July 21, 2025, under the Stadium Court lights, promises to be a high-energy affair, with fans like 52-year-old Baltimore resident Marco Bevilacqua waving double-sided posters in support. Tiafoe’s new Lululemon kit, featuring bold burgundy and gold hues, pays homage to D.C., with the “DMV Made” graphic resonating deeply. “I love how bold it is. The burgundy and gold hit hard—it’s loud in the best way, and it represents DC,” he said.
Despite a tough Wimbledon exit in the second round to Cameron Norrie, Tiafoe’s intense training, showcased on social media, drew praise from peers like Gaël Monfils and Shelton himself. As they face a formidable Australian duo in their opener, the American pair’s blend of heart, skill, and showmanship is set to captivate. With the US Open looming, Tiafoe and Shelton are poised to make a statement, proving that American tennis is on the rise.
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