Jannik Sinner snaps four-match losing streak and sets Korda clash at Citi Open in D.C.
Italy’s Jannik Sinner is back in the winner’s circle. The 19-year-old pushed past Emil Ruusuvuori of Finland in straight sets on Wednesday in Washington, D.C.
Apr 2, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates after match point against Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain (not pictured) in a men’s singles semifinal in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
Jannik Sinner won for the first time since Roland-Garros on Wednesday, ending a stretch of four consecutive losses and setting a third-round clash with American Sebastian Korda at the Citi Open in Washington, D.C.
Sinner’s four consecutive losses :
• Roland-Garros (clay), R of 16 : Nadal, 5-7, 3-6, 0-6
• Queen’s (grass), 1R : Draper, 6-7, 6-7
• Wimbledon (grass), 1R : Fucsovics, 7-5, 3-6, 5-7, 3-6
• Atlanta (hard), 1R : O’Connell, 6-7, 4-6
The Italian never faced a break point and dropped just three first-serve points (17/20) as he eased past the 22-year-old world No 69 in one hour and 18 minutes for his 25th win of 2021.
“It was not easy, obviously,” Sinner told the crowd after his victory. “We had some great battles, obviously he he is a very, very good player, young guy, and I’m very happy about my performance today.”
Sinner improves to 2-0 lifetime against Ruusuvuori at ATP-level, with both matches coming on hard courts this season. The Italian defeated Ruusuvuori 6-3, 6-2 in the round of 16 at Miami this year en route to his first Masters 1000 final.
“Trying to play my game,” Sinner said of the keys to his victory. “I think we both have similar styles, we both play quite flat and I try to change earlier than him the direction (of the rallies) and I think today it worked very well.”
Looking to regain form on his best surface
Things have tapered off results-wise for Sinner after a strong start to the season. He won his maiden ATP title at Melbourne, prior to the Australian Open, then reached quarter-finals in Marseille and Dubai before reaching the final in Miami.
Surely he is happy to be back on the surface that suits his aggressive, first-strike tennis the best.
Sinner improves to 15-6 on hard courts in 2021 with his win, and 35-19 lifetime. He had not won a competitive hard court match since losing the Miami final to Hubert Hurkacz.
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