Four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz defeated defending champion and top seed Jannik Sinner to win his maiden China Open title in Beijing on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old Spaniard needed three sets to overcome Sinner 6-7 (6-8), 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) at the Diamond Court to make it two consecutive victories over the Italian world No. 1.
BEIJING CHAMPION 🏆
In a breathtaking final, @carlosalcaraz fights back to defeat the defending champion Sinner 6-7(6) 6-4 7-6(3) for the #ChinaOpen title!@chinaopen pic.twitter.com/idvMd6LRiz
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 2, 2024
Alcaraz’s win saw him become the first player to win ATP 500 title on all three surfaces having previously won at Queen’s, Barcelona, and Rio de Janeiro.
The Spaniard, who fought back from a set down, picked up his fourth title of the year and the 16th of his career.
“Jannik [Sinner] once again showed he’s the best player in the world, he’s unbelievable and plays such a high level of tennis,” Alcaraz said.
“I had my chances in the first set and didn’t take it. In general, I’m proud of the way I dealt with the match and managed everything.
“I never lose hope but I know he has great stats. I knew I had to give everything I had to give myself the opportunity.”
Alcaraz led 4-2 in the third set but Sinner fought back, Â taking three consecutive games to eventually ensure it headed for a tie-break.
Sinner was in total control of the tie-break, racing into a 3-0 lead. However, it was Alcaraz’s turn to fight back and the Spaniard sure did.
He forced back seven straight points to claim the win, and secure three consecutive victories wins against the Italian, who won the Australian Open and US Open this year.
