Japan's Kei Nishikori, back on form after a torn right wrist tendon, returns to the scene of his most recent outdoor title hoping to launch another strong US Open run.
The 28-year-old seventh seed enters the 50th Washington Open with confidence after his first Wimbledon quarter-final appearance, where he lost to eventual winner Novak Djokovic.
"After coming back from injury, I'm enjoying the challenge this year," Nishikori said yesterday.
"I feel like I'm going to be tough again. My wrist is OK now. I'm going to try and get into the top 10 again. That's my goal and motivation."
"Still I feel it sometimes, but most of the time I'm feeling great. Now I'm enjoying playing tennis again."
"I'm going to have to play focused from the first match."
"I don't feel any pressure from being number one in Asia. My goal is to be number one in the world."