WATCH: Players dish on choosing practice partners

At this point, the players at the Citi Open in Washington, D.C., don’t know if they’re coming or going as constant downpours have wreaked havoc on the schedule.

Still, they must have their game tight for whenever they actually do play, and the best place to get their strokes in order is on the practice court.

But what goes into choosing the right partner to tune up with?

Mischa and Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev, Stefano Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev gave the scoop on what helps determine the proper match-up.

“Normally you try to choose someone  closest to your first-round opponent or your next opponent, or just your friend because you know a lot of times you like to practice with someone you know, someone you like,” said Mischa Zverev.

His brother—and third-round opponent—Alexander Zverev said, “A lot of it depends on how much I like Mischa that week. If I like him, we practice about three, four times together, if I don’t, I find someone else.”

The two warmed up together before their clash, which Alexander won in straight sets. Earlier in the week, Alexander Zverev also managed to squeeze in some time with 2015 D.C. champ Kei Nishikori.

Tsitsipas, Medvedev and Rublev also cited how beneficial it is to hit with members of the ATP’s “Big 4.”

“It’s good to have these practice sessions with the top guys because you put more intensity than you’re used to with the rest of the players,” Tsitsipas said.

“There’s a reason the top guys are on top,” Alexander Zverev said, “because they practice the way they play matches.”

Follow Van on Twitter: @Van_Sias

ATP & WTA Washington D.C.

Catch all the action from the Citi Open with live coverage from three courts on Tennis Channel Plus beginning Monday, July 30th at 2:00 PM ET. All matches also available on-demand.