Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

The dual ATP-WTA  Washington stop will sidestep any scheduling conflicts with the Olympics by moving to July and avoiding a clash with the Rio Games, which open August 5. Tournament officials have already taken out a bit of an insurance policy, getting agreements from John Isner and former No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki to participate in an event known mainly for it’s sweltering humidity.

For Wozniacki, the tournament in the American capital will mark a debut. But she believes that this summer, it all fits together perfectly in her calendar. “I love to be well prepared for big things coming up,” said Wozniacki. “I heard so many great things about the tournament. It’s working out well in my schedule.”

If all comes together as planned, Wozniacki would be the biggest name ever to participate on the WTA side of a tournament which drew criticism a few seasons ago for providing substandard locker room facilities on the ageing grounds of a municipal park for women players, leaving the ATP men with most of the indoor plumbing and working showers in their locker room

The WTA competition will be entering a sixth year, with past winners including the likes of Magdalena Rybarikova and Sloane Stephens, though two-time grand slam event winner Svetlana Kuznetsova lifted the title in 2014.

Isner, who has only recently begun over his inclination to stick close to home in North America on the globe-spanning ATP, is a familiar face around the grounds, losing three finals including two over the past three editions.

“I love playing on the center court,” he said. “It’s got such a great feel to it. It’s hard to explain. It’s just like athletes in other sports. They’re more comfortable in stadiums and ballparks and whatnot. I’m very comfortable playing on that center court in D.C.”

Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.