Sinner rallies to take first set vs. Alcaraz in Beijing

  • Posted: Oct 02, 2024

Jannik Sinner’s resilience has been on full display so far in the championship match at the China Open, where the World No. 1 leads his great rival Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(6).

Despite struggling to find his best level for much of the opening set, Sinner dug deep to recover a 2-5 deficit and clinch the first set in the ATP 500 title showdown via a tie-break. Alcaraz made a confident start in his bid for a third consecutive Lexus ATP Head2Head victory against Sinner but was unable to close out any of the three set points he earned.

Alcaraz frequently dictated play with his consistent, aggressive groundstrokes in the opening exchanges in Beijing, but was unable to serve out for the set at 5-3. He then had a set point on return at 6-5, 30/40, and two more in the tie-break, but Sinner’s ability to raise his level at key moments proved key.

If he can go on to seal victory, Sinner will become just the second man to successfully defend the title in the Chinese capital after record-six-time champion Novak Djokovic (2009-10, 2012-15). The Italian is chasing his 15th consecutive tour-level win following his triumphs at the Cincinnati Open and US Open.

Victory for Sinner would also reassert his dominance in the race for ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF honours. The 23-year-old is currently 2,990 points clear of second-placed Alcaraz in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin and would extend that comfortable lead to 3,160 points by lifting the Beijing trophy.

Alcaraz stepped on court in Beijing looking to extend his winning streak to nine matches. The Spaniard, who has responded superbly to his shock second-round US Open defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp, now seeks a comeback win against Sinner to become the first player to win an ATP 500 on hard courts, clay and grass in series history (since 2009).

[NEWSLETTER FORM]

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