Jannik Sinner expects a ‘tactical’ match against great rival Carlos Alcaraz in the China Open final
Jannik Sinner is the defending champion at this year's China Open title, but expects a stern test against Carlos Alcaraz.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner (via Imago)
The top two seeds, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will lock horns for a thrilling finale at the China Open 2024. World No. 1 Sinner defeated local favorite Yunchaokete Bu 6-2, 7-6. On the other hand, Alcaraz comfortably beat an injury-hit Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-3 to progress to the final.
This is the final most fans expected, as Sinner and Alcaraz have been the standout players of 2024, dividing all four Grand Slam titles. Speaking in the post-match press conference, Sinner stated that the match against the four-time Grand Slam champion might be “tactical.”
Now I’m only thinking about tomorrow. But I have to rest because I don’t have much time. We know each other very well so I think it will be a very tactical and difficult match. Every match between us is very different, it depends each time on the context and the situation. It will be a match again different from the previous ones. In the meantime, I’m enjoying another final. I hope it will be a good match with victory at the end.
Jannik Sinner said in the post-match press conference
Sinner and Alcaraz have met each other twice this year, with the Spaniard winning both encounters. Their first match was in the Indian Wells semifinals, where Alcaraz ended the Italian’s unbeaten start to the season. They then renewed their rivalry in the Roland Garros semifinals, where Alcaraz won in five sets. This match is considered one of the best of 2024.
Although Alcaraz has had the upper hand in their head-to-head matchups recently, Sinner has enjoyed a more consistent season, winning six titles. Alcaraz, surprisingly, has won only one title outside of his two Grand Slam victories at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. In contrast, Sinner has claimed six ATP titles this year.
Jannik Sinner overtakes Novak Djokovic in an impressive statistic ahead of China Open final
Jannik Sinner is just one match away from successfully defending his title at the China Open. By reaching the final in Beijing, he has achieved a remarkable record for the highest percentage of finals reached in hard-court events this year. This statistic applies to players who have participated in at least ten main draw events since the beginning of 2023.
The 23-year-old Italian has made it to the finals in 13 out of 23 hard-court tournaments, giving him an impressive success rate of 56.5%. This achievement puts him ahead of Novak Djokovic, who had previously held the record with six finals out of 11 hard-court events, resulting in a percentage of 54.5%. Sinner’s ability to consistently reach the finals showcases his skill and determination on the hard court.
Sinner’s performance at the China Open reflects his strong form throughout the year. He has reached at least the quarterfinals in all tournaments he has participated in during 2024. This level of consistency demonstrates his focus and talent.
In addition to his recent success, Sinner has won both hard-court Grand Slam titles this year, triumphing at the Australian Open and the US Open. Out of the six ATP titles he has captured this year, five have come from hard-court events, further solidifying his position as one of the top players in the game.
Fahad Hamid
(333 Articles Published)