Alcaraz Claims First China Open Title with Thrilling Comeback Against Sinner
BEIJING: Carlos Alcaraz staged a remarkable comeback to defeat world number one Jannik Sinner and secure his first China Open title on Wednesday. The four-time Grand Slam champion from Spain triumphed in a gripping final with a score of 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), marking his fourth ATP title of the year and the 16th of his career.
In a match lasting three hours and 21 minutes, Alcaraz found himself down 3-0 in the final-set tiebreak but rallied to clinch victory. This win also ended Sinner’s impressive 14-match winning streak and dethroned him as the Beijing champion.
After the match, Alcaraz praised Sinner, saying, “What can I say about the year you’re having? It’s unbelievable. I respect you a lot as a player, but even more as a person.”
Sinner, the US Open champion, faced heightened scrutiny during the tournament due to ongoing concerns about his doping case. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed a decision that cleared him, adding pressure on the Italian star.
In front of an enthusiastic crowd in Beijing, the match began with both players feeling the pressure on their service games. Alcaraz, the second seed, broke Sinner to take a 3-1 lead and celebrated with a fist pump. However, Sinner quickly regained his composure, breaking back to force a tiebreak and ultimately taking the first set—marking the first set Alcaraz had dropped all week.
The second set mirrored the tight contest, with both players exchanging chances. Alcaraz broke Sinner at a crucial moment to lead 5-4, then served it out to set up a decisive third set.
The final set again went to a tiebreak, where Alcaraz emerged victorious on his first match point, showcasing his determination and skill. “It was a great battle again,” said Sinner, who has faced challenges this season due to doping allegations but was cleared by tennis authorities.
In the women’s draw, top seed Aryna Sabalenka continued her impressive form, securing her 15th consecutive victory with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Madison Keys. Sabalenka, the world number two, is on a remarkable winning streak and will next face Karolina Muchova, who defeated Cristina Bucsa 6-2, 6-0.
Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva also made headlines with a dominant 6-1, 6-3 win over Poland’s Magda Linette, further showcasing the rising talent in women’s tennis.
