Buyunchaokete’s inspiring journey at the China Open concluded on Tuesday as he fell to World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in straight sets in the men’s singles semifinals in Beijing.
The 22-year-old crowd favorite from northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was defeated by Italy’s top-seeded Sinner with a score of 6-3, 7-6(3). Despite the loss, Buyunchaokete showcased remarkable skill, reaching the last four in a second consecutive Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour event after his semifinal finish at last month’s Hangzhou Open.
Reflecting on his history with Sinner, Buyunchaokete recalled their first encounter when he was just 15 years old. “He beat me in less than two hours in that match,” he said, referring to their meeting in an International Tennis Federation (ITF) G2 match.
In the semifinal clash, Sinner neutralized Buyunchaokete’s powerful serve with exceptional returns and solid defense, claiming the first set decisively. However, Buyunchaokete adapted his strategy, targeting Sinner’s backhand and pushing the momentum in the second set.
The match intensified as Buyunchaokete had an opportunity to take the set in the 10th game. Yet, Sinner’s consistent serving led the set into a tiebreaker. Ultimately, Sinner wrapped up the contest with an ace, securing his place in the final.
Despite the defeat, Buyunchaokete’s performance has captivated fans and highlighted his rising prominence in the tennis world. His back-to-back semifinal appearances signal a promising future for the young athlete on the international stage.
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Buyunchaokete falls to World No. 1 Sinner in China Open semifinals
cgtn.com
