World-Ranked Shahar Peer Headlines Tennis Tournament in College Park

When Israeli tennis star Shahar Peer plays in the first in College Park next week, it will be her first time in the D.C. Metro area, but not the United States.

“I love coming here. This is my favorite country," Peer said, who is ranked 24th in the world, and is the top ranking player to compete at the Women's Tennis Association tournament.

After being upset recently in the first round of Wimbledon, Peer said she hasn’t been playing as well as she would have liked.  She hopes a return to hard courts during the Citi Open will bring the wins back.

“I was growing up on the hard courts,” Peer said.  “I really like the hard courts.”

In January, Peer was ranked No. 11 and has won five WTA titles throughout her career.

To maintain her stature as one of the world’s top players, Peer works out for two hours every day, depending on how much time she has.  She also makes sure to eat well ... most of the time.

“I like to treat myself [once a week],” Peer said.  “It’s more like a dessert.  Last week it was a Cold Stone ice cream.”

Peer is unique among tennis players not only for her sponsorship (she is the only player sponsored by Reebok), but for her nationality.

She is one of the only players on tour from Israel, and people from her country notice.

"They really appreciate who I am," Peer said.

The tournament starts Saturday with qualifying rounds and runs through July 31. It will be held at the Tennis Center at College Park, 5200 Paint Branch Parkway. Schedule and ticket information is available on the event website.