Mackenzie McDonald, competing as a wildcard, progressed to the second round of the Citi Open by defeating qualifier Colton Smith with a convincing score of 6-4, 6-1 at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Washington on Monday night. McDonald is set to face the fourth seed, Ben Shelton, in the next round.
The Mubadala Citi DC Open continues to highlight the strength of American tennis, featuring a total of 16 U.S. players in the men’s main draw, more than any other country represented. Alongside prominent players like Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, and Frances Tiafoe, McDonald is aiming for another strong performance after making waves with his semifinal appearance in 2021.
As one of the sport’s most adaptable baseliners, McDonald is part of a promising American lineup that includes up-and-coming talents such as Alex Michelsen and Learner Tien, as well as the return of former Top 20 player Reilly Opelka, who is coming back from injury.
This year’s Washington ATP 500 is shaping up to be an exciting showcase for American players, as they seek to make their mark in the tournament. The depth and competitiveness of the U.S. contingent contribute to a hopeful atmosphere, not just for the current tournament, but for the future of American tennis.