Alcaraz rallies to beat Sinner and win the China Open
Karnataka News
Carlos Alcaraz, a true testament to resilience, came back from a set down. He stayed composed in a crucial tiebreak to defeat defending champion Jannik Sinner 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3) in the China Open final on Wednesday, securing his fourth title of the season.
French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz, who had previously defeated Sinner in both of their earlier encounters this year, bounced back from a sluggish start to secure victory in three hours and 21 minutes. This win also enhanced his head-to-head record against the Italian to 6-4.
Although the setting wasn’t as grand as in some of their recent matches, Sinner and Alcaraz engaged in a battle of wills, pushing each other to the limit in this latest installment of their growing rivalry that has captivated the ATP Tour.
“He could have won in two, I could have won in two, it was a really close match. Jannik once again showed that he’s the best player in the world, with the level that he’s playing,” Alcaraz, 21, said.
“It is unbelievable, it’s a really high quality of tennis, physically, mentally, he’s a beast.
“I had my chances in the first set but didn’t make it, but in general, I’m proud of myself. The way that I dealt with the match, the way that I managed everything. For me, it was a really good match.”
Following a cautious beginning where both players saved break points, Alcaraz capitalized on an early break to take a 3-1 lead after Sinner’s backhand sailed wide. He then solidified his lead in the next game when Sinner hit a shot into the net.
World number one Sinner, who last defeated Alcaraz in the semifinals of this tournament last year, slowly regained his form to equalize at 5-5 and saved two set points in the tiebreak to take the first set.
Alcaraz faced early pressure in the second set, with Sinner challenging him fiercely in a 15-minute game. However, the second seed managed to hold his serve to make it 4-4.
Sinner’s inability to secure a break in that long game seemed to deflate him, allowing Alcaraz to quickly breeze through the next two games and even the match at one set each.
Alcaraz Triumphs Over Sinner in Tiebreak Thriller at China Open
The Spaniard increased the intensity of his forehand and broke serve for a 2-1 lead in the third set. However, just as victory seemed within reach, he lost focus and allowed Sinner to equalize at 4-4.
In the decisive tiebreak, Sinner initially seized control with a 3-0 lead. However, Alcaraz showcased his impressive net skills, winning a few crucial rallies to take a 4-3 advantage. He ultimately secured the title with a powerful cross-court forehand winner.
The loss in the tiebreak was unusual for Sinner, who had previously won 18 of his last 19 tiebreaks.
When asked if Sinner’s record made him feel uncertain, Alcaraz replied: “I never lost hope, but honestly, I know that stat. Every time that Jannik plays (a tiebreak), it goes to his side.
“I’m not going to lie, at 3-0 down and with two mini breaks for him, I thought, ‘Okay, I have to give everything that I have just to try to give myself the opportunity to be close’.
“I played great points just to make it 3-3, and after that, I just thought, ‘Go for it.’ If I lost it, at least I went for it.”
The result denied Australian Open and US Open champion Sinner becoming the first man to retain the crown at the China National Tennis Centre since Novak Djokovic won four straight titles between 2012-15.
Stay informed and engaged! Click here for breaking sports news!