In a thrilling finale at the China Open on Wednesday, Carlos Alcaraz staged a remarkable comeback to defeat top-ranked Jannik Sinner 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3), securing his first title at the event. Alcaraz won seven consecutive points in the decisive tiebreaker to clinch the victory over his biggest rival, who is currently dealing with an ongoing doping case.
Sinner and Alcaraz have competed against each other in all four Grand Slam tournaments this year, each securing two victories. Sinner claimed the Australian Open and the U.S. Open titles, while Alcaraz triumphed at the French Open and Wimbledon. Their intense rivalry has become a cornerstone of the tennis season, captivating fans around the globe.
The tightly contested first set went to a tiebreaker, with Sinner edging out Alcaraz 8-6 after Alcaraz’s return landed outside the court. Undeterred, Paris Olympics men’s singles silver medalist Alcaraz fought back in the second set, taking it 6-4 as Sinner’s return hit the net.
The final set was a nail-biter, with Alcaraz trailing 5-4 before producing a tricky forehand winner near the net to hold his serve. The set culminated in another tiebreaker, where four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz’s forehand prowess shone through, helping him to a 3-2 lead. He then secured five consecutive points, ultimately sealing the match with a powerful forehand winner.
With this victory, Alcaraz ends Sinner’s 14-match winning streak and becomes the first player to win ATP 500 events on all three surfaces. The win also marks Alcaraz’s third triumph over Sinner this year, having previously defeated him in the semi-finals at Indian Wells and the French Open.
“It was a really special win for me,” Alcaraz reflected after the match. “Lifting this trophy in front of my team, who are part of my family, was a great moment. We all know what we’ve been through in the last months—it was really difficult. Thanks to them, I started to get the joy back in playing matches and practicing. I got motivated again.”
Sinner, displaying sportsmanship, said, “It’s always nice to be part of these kinds of matches. I’m obviously disappointed that it didn’t go my way, but these matches can really go both ways. He played better in important moments. I’m proud of a great week making the finals here. Last year I won here, so it’s for sure a place where I love to play. I’m already looking forward to next year.”
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Alcaraz comes back to beat Sinner to win first China Open title
cgtn.com
