Photo Recap: Citi Open - Day 1

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Photo Recap: Citi Open - Day 1

2005 U.S. Open Semi-Finalist Robby Ginepri

Ginepri Rallies Past Diaz, Townsend Advances

This year's Citi Open boasts one of the most impressive fields ever to grace the nation's capital. The ATP World Tour 500 event features three of the top 10 (and nine of the top 25) players in the world, including #5 ranked Tomáš Berdych; while the WTA tourney sports #7 Eugenie Bouchard and U.S. star Sloane Stephens. Doubles fans can look forward to the #1 ranked team in the world, Bob and Mike Bryan. Beautiful weather, big crowds and some outstanding qualifying matches headlined day one of the tourney, promising big things for the remaining eight days.

Veteran and fan favorite Robby Ginepri (formerly ranked #15 in the world) battled back after dropping the first set on Stadium Court, to best Canadian Steven Diez 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Also advancing to tomorrow's second day of qualifiers, Australian Sam Groth, currently ranked #45 in the world and record-holder for the fastest serve ever recorded (163.4 MPH.) Groth made it past 16-year-old phenom Stefan Kozlov 3-6, 7-6 (7-5) 6-4. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing young Mr. Kozlov next year (and hopefully many more to come.) He has tons of potential. Meanwhile, Groth moves on to face Ginepri in Sunday's most attractive matchup.

Steven Diez lost to Robby Ginepri 6-4, 4-6, 4-6

On the women's side, Stéphanie Dubois looked impressive in dispatching of 21-year-old Portuguese star Michelle Larcher de Brito in straight sets (6-4, 7-5.) Also advancing, rising star Taylor Townsend who downed fellow American Alexandra Mueller in three sets (6-1, 1-6, 6-1.) Townsend was fresh off an impressive performance versus the Washington Kastles in the WTT Eastern Conference Finals at the Charles E. Smith Center this past Thursday night, where she defeated Martina Hingis in women's singles 5-2.

Stéphanie Dubois (above) stops Michelle Larcher de Brito 6-4, 7-5

Qualifying continues tomorrow, with the main draw kicking off Monday afternoon. Draws will be announced Sunday night, along with Monday's schedule. Ticket pricing and package details is now available at www.citiopentennis.com, or by phone at 202-721-9500. On a personal note, don't forget to apply/bring suntan lotion. I learned the hard way: Today's sun was mighty strong.