Carlos Alcaraz staged a remarkable comeback to defeat world number one Jannik Sinner in a gripping China Open final, winning 6-7 (6-8), 6-4, 7-6 (7-3). The 21-year-old Spaniard’s victory marks his fourth ATP Tour title of the year and the 16th of his career.
“Jannik once again showed he’s the best player in the world, he’s unbelievable and plays such a high level of tennis,” Alcaraz said after the match. He acknowledged missed opportunities in the first set but expressed pride in his resilience throughout the encounter.
The match started promisingly for Alcaraz, who raced to a 5-2 lead in the first set. However, Sinner fought back to save two set points and ultimately clinched the set in a tie-break. Alcaraz responded by breaking Sinner in the second set, forcing a decider.
Sinner, known for his ability to win crucial matches, mounted a comeback in the final set, recovering from a 4-2 deficit to lead 3-0 in the tie-break. Yet, Alcaraz rallied, winning seven consecutive points to secure the match.
“I felt great on the court,” Alcaraz stated, highlighting his performance throughout the week. With this win, he becomes the first player to capture an ATP 500 title on all three surfaces.
Meanwhile, Sinner faces scrutiny as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appeals a ruling that cleared him of blame for a positive test for a banned substance earlier this year. The 23-year-old claimed contamination from his physiotherapist, and Novak Djokovic expressed concern over the inconsistencies in the tennis anti-doping system, urging for a swift resolution to the matter.