Jannik Sinner Makes History at Citi Open 2021 That Even Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic Couldn’t Achieve

19-year-old Italian Jannik Sinner won his third ATP title defeating Mackenzie McDonald in Citi Open final 7-5, 4-6, 7-5. With this victory, he also became the first-ever teenager to win an ATP 500 category event. Most certainly, it is a feat neither Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, nor Novak Djokovic completed.

Since the ATP 500 category first came into practice in 2009, the big three were already past their teenage period. Therefore, it is a new record that solely belongs to the young Italian.

Jannik Sinner is the first teenager to win an @atptour 500 event. @janniksin is your 2021 @CitiOpen Champion after winning a thrilling final in three sets against Mackenzie McDonald, 7-5, 4-6, 7-5.#CitiOpen pic.twitter.com/82xeVC0oZg

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 9, 2021

Moreover, Washington is the second ATP title for Sinner in 2021, the first being Melbourne. Besides, he also reached the final of ATP 1000 Miami. Hence, the triumph at Citi Open is only a consequence of his continuous efforts.

Aug 8, 2021; Washington, DC, USA; Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates after winning the singles finals match against Mackenzie McDonald of the United States (not pictured) at Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

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Jannik Sinner dropped only one set during the Citi Open campaign

The Italian teenage sensation inarguably played some of his best tennis throughout the week in Washington, DC. Notably, Sinner only dropped a set, that too in the final, on his way to claim the Citi Open 2021 title.

Considering that Rafael Nadal was also in the draw, Sinner as the winner might seem unexpected. Yet, considering his high level of tennis, the glory was due for him.

Aug 8, 2021; Washington, DC, USA; Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates during the singles finals match against Mackenzie McDonald of the United States (not pictured) at Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

During the week in Washington, Sinner outclassed Emil Ruusuvuori, Sebastian Korda, Steve Johnson, Jenson Brooksby, and Mackenzie McDonald. Most significantly, he pulled off an exceptional rally at 5-4, 40-40 in the third set against McDonald.

WILD.

SIMPLY WILD.@janniksin @mackiemacster#CitiOpen pic.twitter.com/oi7LWxx5lP

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 8, 2021

Additionally, Sinner’s exceptional form on hard courts has made him a threat in the two ATP 1000 events lined up ahead. Even the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have previously acknowledged the Italian’s immense talent.

WATCH: When Roger Federer Won an Event as a 12-Year-Old Kid

What’s next for Sinner after Citi Open 2021 triumph?

After Washington, Sinner will be traveling to Toronto for the Rogers Cup 2021. There, he will have a chance to win his first ATP 1000 event.

Afterwards, the ATP Tour will move to Ohio for the Western and Southern Open. All of this would lead the Italian teenager to the ultimate prize, the US Open 2021.

To sum up, Sinner has made the desired start to his professional tennis career. It is now to see where does this victory take him.

Do you think Sinner has the game to become a teenager Slam champion?

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