Sock, Nadal's rival at the Citi Open four years later

Jack Sock will be Rafa Nadal's rival in the Balearic's return to the competition, at dawn from Wednesday to Thursday (01:00, #Vamos), almost two months after playing his last game, in the semi-finals of Roland Garros against Novak Djokovic on June 11. The Spaniard, who resigned to participate in both Wimbledon and the Olympic Games, will face in the Citi Open in Washington DC, an ATP 500 in which he presents himself for the first time, the 28-year-old American, who went to the second round this Monday thanks to the withdrawal due to injury (right calf) of Yoshihito Nishioka. The Japanese had won the first set by 7-6 (3) and lost in the second by 4-0 and 15-30.

Nadal dominates Sock by a resounding 5-0 head-to-head and they haven't met since the Laver Cup in 2017. The American has gone through an ordeal of injuries that led him to fall from number eight in the rankings that year to 192nd he currently holds.

The seeded number of the North American hardcourt tour tournament has taken advantage of his visit to the US capital to do “a bit of sightseeing.” “I love being here in Washington, because it is a new city for me. I can visit one of the most important cities in the world. And honestly, it is very beautiful,” said the Spaniard, who accepted the invitation of the organizers. The fans are crazy about Rafa and they don't stop asking for photos and autographs after his training sessions. “I enjoy the city, I enjoy the people. I'm having fun,” he acknowledged.

Wimbledon and the return

“Playing in DC allows me to be on tour a week earlier than I normally do this part of the season. I missed Wimbledon, but I think I did the right thing.”Nadal said when asked about his return to the slopes. “I do not know how long it will take me to recover everything, but the only thing I can say is that I am here to give my best at all times,” explained the Manacor, who is preparing his assault on the US Open, the last Grand Slam of the season for which he sees how “one of the clear favorites” to Novak Djokovic. “What he accomplished this year is amazing. I think he can do it, without a doubt.”, affirmed on the possibility that the Serbian wins the four majors this year. Your mission will be to prevent it.

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