Jessica Pegula, the top-ranked American woman in tennis, has officially committed to play the 2026 DC Open. She joins fellow U.S. star Ben Shelton in the field for the combined ATP-WTA 500 event.

The tournament runs from July 27 to August 2 at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Washington, D.C. Pegula’s entry gives the hard-court event a major boost as it builds its player field.

Why is this a big deal for Jessica Pegula?

Pegula has been a consistent top-10 fixture for years. She reached the quarterfinals or better at six of the last eight Grand Slams she played. The DC Open offers her a chance to build early hard-court momentum ahead of the US Open.

She has never won the DC Open. But she has a strong history on American hard courts. In 2024, she made the final in Cincinnati and won the title in Berlin on grass. A deep run in D.C. would set her up well for the summer swing.

Who else is in the field?

Ben Shelton, the 22-year-old American with a massive lefty serve, has also committed. Shelton is a former US Open semifinalist and currently ranked inside the top 20. The DC Open is a 500-level event, so it draws strong fields.

Other top Americans and international players are expected to join. The tournament director has said they are targeting several more top-20 players. Pegula and Shelton are the first two big names announced.

What does this mean for the DC Open?

The DC Open has struggled for star power in recent years. Getting Pegula and Shelton early in the commitment cycle is a win for organizers. Pegula is the highest-ranked American woman, and Shelton is one of the most exciting young American men.

Their presence should boost ticket sales and TV ratings. The event is one of the few combined ATP-WTA tournaments in the U.S. outside the Grand Slams. Having two homegrown stars helps sell the event to local fans.

What comes next for Jessica Pegula?

Pegula will likely play a warm-up event before D.C. She has not announced her full summer schedule yet. But the DC Open fits perfectly into the calendar between Wimbledon and the US Open.

She is currently ranked No. 5 in the world. A strong summer could push her back toward the top 3. The hard-court season is her best surface — she holds a career winning percentage above 65% on it.

Pegula’s commitment is a clear signal she is healthy and ready to compete. She dealt with a rib injury in early 2025 but has looked sharp in recent tournaments. Fans in D.C. will get to see one of the best returners in the game up close.