Jannik Sinner Gives his Take on the Debate Surrounding Increasingly Packed Tennis Schedule

Jannik Sinner is competing for the World No.1 spot alongside Carlos Alcaraz.

Jannik Sinner Gives his Take on the Debate Surrounding Increasingly Packed Tennis Schedule

Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ)

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Jannik Sinner has urged players to prioritize their own well-being when planning tournament schedules, even if it means skipping major events. His comments came after winning the China Open title, where he dominated the final with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over 19-year-old American Learner Tien. The triumph gave Sinner his second China Open crown, adding to his 2023 win over Daniil Medvedev, and his 21st career title overall.

The Italian, currently ranked world No. 2, now heads straight into the Shanghai Masters. Like other seeded players, he has a first-round bye but will still be required to handle media work and training before playing his opening match over the weekend. The quick turnaround highlights the relentless nature of the Tour.

I have skipped many tournaments already…But everyone thinks differently, right? In my case, last year I skipped a couple of tournaments because I believed it was best for my body and mind, and this year I also didn’t play in Toronto. That’s why I say, yes, they are mandatory, but at the end of the day, you can choose. I have always chosen and will continue to choose what’s best for me.

The packed schedule has drawn growing criticism. Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from Shanghai after picking up a physical issue just hours after winning the Japan Open. On the women’s side, Iga Swiatek has also voiced concern about the calendar, admitting she may skip events to manage her health and avoid overloading.

Sinner stressed that having the right support team is crucial in making these decisions. Guided by coaches Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill, he believes players must listen to their bodies and choose wisely when to compete. For him, the key is balance between chasing success and protecting long-term fitness.

Jannik Sinner wins third title of the year

World No.1 Jannik Sinner bounced back from his US Open defeat by lifting the China Open trophy in Beijing. The Italian defeated 19-year-old American Learner Tien 6-2, 6-2 to claim his third title of the season and the 21st of his career. Tien, playing his first ATP final, was denied the chance to become one of the youngest champions in the tournament’s history.

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ)

Sinner controlled the match from the start, using his forehand to dictate rallies and forcing his opponent wide with sharp angles. The contest lasted just over an hour, with the world No. 2 showing the kind of intensity that has already earned him Grand Slam victories at the Australian Open and Wimbledon earlier this year.

The win makes Sinner a two-time champion in Beijing, joining Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as the only players to lift the trophy more than once. He is also the fourth man in 2025 to secure at least three titles, while Carlos Alcaraz leads the Tour with eight. Their rivalry continues to shape the season at the very top of the rankings.

Despite the triumph, Sinner remains behind Alcaraz in the race for the year-end No. 1 spot, trailing by more than 2,500 points. Both players won titles in the same week, the first time that has happened since 2020. Sinner now turns his attention to the Shanghai Masters, where he will be the top seed after Alcaraz withdrew due to an ankle injury.

Jannik Sinner closes the gap on Carlos Alcaraz for the World No.1 spot

Italian star Jannik Sinner captured his 23rd career title and third trophy of the season by beating American Learner Tien 6-2, 6-2 in the 2025 China Open final. It was his second victory in Beijing, following his 2023 triumph, and placed him alongside Michael Chang, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic as one of the few men to win the tournament more than once.

Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz
Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ)

The Italian has now reached nine straight hard-court finals, winning six of them since his run began at the 2024 Cincinnati Masters. His dominance on the surface has underlined his position as one of the Tour’s most consistent performers and a regular contender at the biggest events.

With the Beijing title, Sinner earned 500 ranking points but only added 170 to his total because he was defending a runner-up finish from last year. He now sits at 10,950 points, closing the gap on Carlos Alcaraz, who remains No. 1 with 11,540 points after defending his own 500 points with victory at the Japan Open. The gap between the two rivals is down to 590 points.

Alcaraz has pulled out of the Shanghai Masters and will lose 200 points from last year’s quarter-final showing. Sinner, however, is also defending champion in Shanghai and must retain his 1,000 points to maintain his standing.

Even with another title, he cannot pass Alcaraz yet but could narrow the margin further. In the year-end Race to Turin, Alcaraz leads comfortably with 11,040 points, leaving Sinner 2,590 points behind in second.

Also Read: Qinwen Zheng Hits Back at Iga Swiatek’s Strong Comments on Tennis Scheduling