Postcard from Washington DC

The Mubadala Citi DC Open concluded in Washington, D.C. with an exhilarating display of talent on the court. Coco Gauff emerged victorious on home soil, capturing a major WTA 500 title, while on the men's side, Dan Evans clinched his maiden ATP 500 title—the first Briton to secure victory in the tournament since Tim Henman in 2003.

Tennis aside, the old joke about D.C. being built on a swamp is no longer legitimate. The city has been on firm footing for more than 200 years and has become increasingly trendy over the last two decades. The local tennis scene has also seen a resurgence thanks to Mark Ein, who acquired the tournament in 2019. Ein revived the event at the well-loved courts of Rock Creek Park, turning it into a combined ATP/WTA 500 event with refurbished grounds and an official spot on the U.S. Open warm-up series. Notable champions include Nick Kyrgios (2019 and 2022) and Jessica Pegula, while native Washingtonian Hailey Baptiste remains a player to watch on the circuit.

Rock Creek Park Tennis Centre

Washington has no shortage of exclusive clubs for the politically and socially elite, though the last true tennis aficionado at the White House was George H.W. Bush. While Bush preferred Camp David, the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Centre—named after a philanthropic political heavyweight—is the true heart of D.C. tennis.

The venue started as a simple clay court with minimal seating. When Arthur Ashe and his agent Donald Dell decided to hold a professional tournament here, Ashe famously mandated "no country clubs," choosing the public park setting instead. Since taking over, Mark Ein has refurbished the 15 hard courts and 10 clay courts. During the tournament, the centre transforms into a cosmopolitan lawn party featuring local food vendors and a draw that attracts the world's top talent.

Must see in DC

Since roughly 2005, Washington has evolved into a hub for ambitious professionals, featuring a refined dining scene, renovated museums, and a local music culture.

The National Mall: Beyond the iconic monuments, visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture to see the displays on sporting legends such as Arthur Ashe, Althea Gibson, and the Williams sisters.
National Portrait Gallery: The National Portrait Gallery has been beautifully renovated and houses the famed portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama.
International Spy Museum: For those interested in espionage, the International Spy Museum offers an immersive look at the world of spooks.
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum: For a quieter experience, the National Bonsai Museum is a hidden gem; one of the trees on display even survived the bombing of Hiroshima.

Shop

If you are looking for retail therapy beyond the standard patriotic souvenirs, the city offers several high-end districts.

Georgetown: This historic neighbourhood features cobblestone streets and luxury boutiques along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, including brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton.
CityCenterDC: A modern development in downtown D.C. that hosts a collection of high-end retailers such as Hermès, Dior, and Paul Stuart.
Tysons Galleria: Located nearby in McLean, Virginia, this mall is a destination for upscale shopping, featuring Gucci, Prada, and Versace.
Department Stores: Both Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue have prominent locations in the D.C. metropolitan area.

Eat, drink and be merry

The D.C. "power dinner" has evolved significantly since the days of simple steakhouse fare.

Filomena Ristorante: A Georgetown staple for high-end Italian, famously frequented by the Clintons.
José Andrés: The renowned chef remains a titan of the D.C. food scene. During the tournament, he often debuts new concepts, such as his "Iberico Smashed" burgers. His restaurant The Bazaar offers a sophisticated take on Spanish-inspired cuisine.
Sushi Taro: For Michelin-starred excellence, Sushi Taro features an exceptional omakase counter.
Local Favourites: Don't miss Lauriol Plaza for Mexican, the historic Ben’s Chili Bowl (a favourite of Barack Obama), or the farm-to-table dishes at The Pembroke.

Sleep

Washington offers a range of historic and trendy accommodation options.

The Hay-Adams: A historic hotel offering stunning views of the White House and St. John’s Church.
The Willard InterContinental: A landmark of the American canon, The Willard has hosted presidents and foreign dignitaries for over a century.
The Washington Hilton: Known for its proximity to Embassy Row and Rock Creek Park.
The Line DC: Located in the trendy Adams Morgan neighbourhood, The Line is housed in a converted 110-year-old church and offers free bike rentals, perfect for riding to the tennis.