The last few weeks were not exactly successful for Jannik Sinner with regard to the individual results. After his defeat by Rafael Nadal at the French Open, the young South Tyrolean suffered bankruptcies on both of his lawn appearances (in London's Queen's Club against Scott Draper, in Wimbledon against Marton Fucsovics). And the entry into the American summer series was not good either with the loss to Christopher O'Connell in Atlanta. The year 2021 had started well for Sinner with the victory at one of the preparatory tournaments in Melbourne, he also reached the final at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Miami, where Hubert Hurkacz then proved to be too strong.

After all: In Atlanta, Sinner was allowed to enter the list of winners in doubles, alongside Reilly Opelka. This week the two are playing in Washington, but there is no Da Capo of the successful pairing for the time being. Because Jannik Sinner promised himself Sebastian Korda. He will now meet in the round of 16 of the ATP Tour 500 event. For the first time on the ATP tour, it could be the start of a lengthy rivalry. By the way, the two are also still in the running for the starting positions for the # NextGen Masters in Milan. Sinner, who won the event at the last edition in 2019, leads the relevant annual ranking, with Korda in third place.

Nadal with problems against Sock

This was made possible by Sinner's first match win in the individual since the end of May: The 19-year-old won against Emil Ruusuvuori 6: 2 and 6: 4, in this clarity a bit surprising. Because the Finn showed in Atlanta last week that he was the only non-American to reach the semi-finals. Sebastian Korda, on the other hand, had made his entry into the round of 16 clear the day before against Vasek Pospisil.

From the top of the tableau, however, greets Rafael Nadal, who had big problems with Jack Sock at his first appearance in Washington. Nadal only prevailed in the tie-break of the third set. And plays against Lloyd Harris in the round of 16. Félix Auger-Aliassime has registered as number two in Washington. The Canadian won his first match against Andreas Seppi after a weak start in three sets and is now playing against the American Jenson Brooksby.

Here the single tableau in Washington