Korda, defending champion, withdraws from the ATP 500 tournament in Washington

Another piece of bad news for Sebastian Korda. Struck by a back injury at the French Open, where he received treatment during his third-round match against Frances Tiafoe, the world number 32 has not returned to competition since, withdrawing from the entire grass-court season, including Wimbledon, due to a tibial fracture.

Not yet recovered, he will not be able to defend his title in Washington next week. Crowned against Flavio Cobolli in the American capital last year, Korda continues his recovery period.

This marks the seventh withdrawal from the ATP 500 tournament in Washington since the beginning of the week. Before him, Tommy Paul (16th), Jakub Mensik (18th), Tomas Machac (22nd), Jordan Thompson (39th), Jacob Fearnley (57th), and Nick Kyrgios (640th) have withdrawn.

However, it's worth noting that the Australian, a two-time tournament winner who initially benefited from a protected ranking to enter the draw, might eventually be granted a wild card to participate in the annual event in Washington. Following Korda's withdrawal, Christopher O'Connell benefits by entering the main draw.