Ben Shelton defeated Mackenzie McDonald 6–3, 6–4 in the first round of the ATP 250 Washington tournament on hard court. Playing as the pre-match favourite with odds of 1.28, Shelton secured a straightforward victory that aligned with expectations, controlling both sets against McDonald, who entered at 4.16 odds. The American's composed performance in the opening round suggests solid form heading into the tournament's latter stages.