Citi Open 2025 Recap: Venus Williams' Return, Leylah Fernandez's Revival, and DC's Electric Tennis Vibe

This week on Ground Pass, Anastasia Folorunso welcomed Ava Wallace from The Washington Post for an insightful and vibrant recap of the 2025 Citi Open, highlighting memorable moments, rising stars, and why the DC tournament continues to shine brightly on the tennis calendar.

Venus Williams' Joyful Comeback

The biggest story of the tournament was undoubtedly Venus Williams' return to competitive tennis. Ava shared how Venus arrived in DC relaxed and genuinely joyful, winning hearts with her passionate play and openness during press conferences. Despite initial skepticism about her comeback, Venus quickly reminded everyone why she remains a beloved figure in tennis. Her victory over Peyton Stearns and enthusiastic interactions with fans and media showed she's back because she genuinely loves the game.

Leylah Fernandez Finds Her Form

Leylah Fernandez, whose season had been somewhat uneven leading into DC, rediscovered her spark at the Citi Open. Ava explained that Leylah's renewed energy came after reconnecting with former coaches and reminding herself of her love for the game. Her impressive run led her straight into the women's singles final against Anna Kalinskaya, signaling an exciting build-up toward the US Open.

A Surprising Finals Lineup

The finals brought unexpected matchups. Alex De Minaur faced Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the men's final, while Leylah Fernandez battled Kalinskaya on the women's side. Though fans were hoping for a rematch between Fernandez and Emma Raducanu, Kalinskaya delivered a compelling performance, reminding everyone why she’s one to watch closely.

Playing at Home: Pressure and Promise

The Citi Open spotlighted the unique pressures of competing in your hometown. Ava pointed to local favorites like Frances Tiafoe and Hailey Baptiste, who faced the challenge of heightened expectations. Both players displayed resilience and offered lessons on managing pressure, something they'll undoubtedly carry forward into their future tournaments.

DC's Unmatched Tennis Atmosphere

Both Anastasia and Ava emphasized the vibrant and diverse crowds that made the Citi Open uniquely engaging. Ava highlighted the historical context of the tournament's location in a public park, creating an accessible and energetic atmosphere unlike any other event on the US tennis calendar.

Schedule Concerns: Balancing Tennis' Future

Finally, the conversation touched on ongoing debates around the intense tennis calendar. Ava pointed out that the absence of top-ranked players at the upcoming Canadian Masters raises questions about scheduling demands and player burnout—issues the tennis community will need to address as the sport evolves.

Listen to the full episode of Ground Pass featuring Ava Wallace for more insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives from the 2025 Citi Open.