Ben Shelton and Gael Monfils react as Frances Tiafoe shows off his intense training for Citi DC Open

July 21, 2025

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Frances Tiafoe is leaving no stones unturned in preparation for the Citi DC Open, where he’s participating in men’s singles and partnering with Ben Shelton in men’s doubles. Tiafoe and Shelton are set to kick off their fixtures on Tuesday, July 22, with their match lined up against the partnership of John Peers and Matthew Ebden.

Ahead of this doubles fixture, Tiafoe posted multiple photos from his preparation on North American hardcourts, marking his return to his roots in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area. In the pictures, the Maryland native was all smiles during a laid-back hit session on an outdoor court in Washington, D.C., representing Lululemon. Some other pictures show him shirtless and full of sweat while practicing on the hardcourt.

“DMV it’s good to be home ✊🏿✊🏿,” Tiafoe wrote in the caption.

The post drew attention from the tennis world. Shelton dropped into the comments with a loaded reply:

“Tuff song”

French star Gaël Monfils added two flame emojis (🔥🔥) in the comments section.

Frances Tiafoe is coming off a tough Wimbledon Championship. Despite being seeded No. 12, he couldn't advance past the second round. Cameron Norrie defeated him 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5.

Frances Tiafoe's partnership with Lululemon takes center stage ahead of the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open

Frances Tiafoe is officially the hometown hero at the 2025 DC Open, which will be held from July 21 to 27 at Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C. Apparel brand Lululemon and Tiafoe signed a partnership in early January.

Tiafoe will be wearing the brand's tennis kit when he takes the court on Tuesday. Tiafoe said about it (via Forbes):

"I love how bold it is. The burgundy and gold hit hard—it’s loud in the best way, and it represents DC. Plus, seeing that DMV Made graphic on the off-court gear was a special moment for me.”

“It’s been a blast,” Tiafioe said. “Lululemon really lets me have a voice in what I wear, which makes it feel personal. We’re not just picking colors; we’re telling stories with every kit.”

Tiafoe will wear a maize yellow Metal Vent Tech Short-Sleeve shirt and autumn rust Pace Breaker Linerless 7" shorts from Lululemon's main collection. He's one of the headliners, alongside American stars Taylor Fritz and Madison Keys, to play this tournament.

About the author

Krutik Jain is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. It was in 2018 when the baseball bug bit Krutik, and already a cricket fan, he credits baseball's rules and Clayton Kershaw's pitching to have hooked him to the game.

A Kershaw and Mookie Betts fan, Krutik rates his favorite team LA Dodgers triumphing over Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series as his best baseball moment so far. His answer to the perennial "one player from the past you could meet" question is Jackie Robinson. Despite never having seen him play, Robinson's impact, legacy and trail-blazing journey have left an indelible impact on Krutik.

A rigorous fact-checker, Krutik likes reporting on the technical aspects of the game as well as off-field elements. When not watching baseball, Krutik is busy playing cricket, staying up to date with the happenings around the world and hiking.

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