Donaldson Rebounds To Win Washington Opener

Jared Donaldson and Tommy Paul are off to the perfect starts in their respective 2017 Citi Open campaigns. The 20-year-old NextGenATP Americans ground their way through first-round clashes on Monday in contrasting fashion.

Donaldson, the world No. 69 in the Emirates ATP Rankings and seventh in the ATP Race to Milan, prevailed in a tight 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-3 result over Israel’s Dudi Sela. Paul, who reached his first ATP World Tour quarter-final last week as a qualifier in Atlanta, led Casper Ruud 3-6, 7-5, 3-0 before the Norwegian retired with headaches and dizziness due to dehydration. 

Donaldson dropped just seven points on his first serve and saved four of five break points faced against Sela. He will next meet lucky loser Marc Polmans. The Australian received a first-round bye after John Isner withdrew due to a right knee injury.

Paul surged 14 spots to No. 20 in the ATP Race to Milan with his run in Atlanta last week. It was his first meeting with fellow NextGenATP player Ruud. No. 7 seed Lucas Pouille is next.

A viral illness denied Stefan Kozlov the chance to make it a three-from-three start for the NextGenATP Americans on Monday. Qualifier Yuki Bhambri, of India, led 7-5, 2-0 before Kozlov called it quits. Defending champion Gael Monfils awaits.