We are just days away from the Washington Open getting underway, and tennis fans the world over will herald its arrival.
After all, whilst there has been some tennis on, it has hardly been action packed.
In fact, none of the world’s truly best players have been active since Wimbledon, justifiably, instead affording this lull in the tennis schedule to rest and recuperate.
They should return ready to get straight back to action in the States though, particularly given the huge strength of both the ATP and WTA lineups despite it only being a 500-level event.
For all the talent already guaranteed a spot in the main draw, it’s actually the wildcards, at the qualifying level, who are catching the eye; justifiably so.
Washington Open announces their main draw and qualifying wildcards
Whilst many were likely more excited to see what players had gained direct entry into the main draw with a wildcard, it was the qualifying wildcards that really deserve attention.
After all, both finalists from the recent boys’ Wimbledon final, Jordan Lee and Cruz Hewitt, have been rewarded for their good form.
The latter, the son of Australian tennis great Lleyton Hewitt, has already impressed during his steady ascension towards the professional tour.
Crucially, they also wanted to provide one to the Roland Garros boys champion, Luis Augusto Queiroz Miguel of Brazil. Alas, visa issues denied this reward.
Why other tournaments should copy the Washington Open
Whilst other tournaments are hugely biased in their wildcard selections, the Washington Open have made this refreshing decision which should encourage other events to follow suit.
After all, it promotes and praises good performances from players who are the future of the sport.
Who is your pick to win the US Open men’s singles title?
Giving them such a break can only help further their careers with key experience, and potentially even provide the foundation that allows them to put themselves on the map.
The more events that now copy this initiative can only help boost the development of tennis and increase the depth of the male and female ranks.
Better they are handed such opportunities over players from the home country of the tournament who have little chance of impressing, now or in the future.
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