Carlos Alcaraz came from a set down to edge out world number one Jannik Sinner in a dramatic China Open final.
Alcaraz, 21, continued his fine run of form against the Italian and has now won each of their last three encounters after coming through 6-7 (6-8) 6-4 7-6 (7-3).
It is the Spaniard’s fourth ATP Tour title this year and 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.
“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.”
Since suffering a shock second-round exit at the US Open, Alcaraz has bounced back to win nine matches in a row, including helping Team Europe win the Laver Cup last month.
Alcaraz appeared to be on track for the perfect start when he moved into a 5-2 lead in the opening set, however, Sinner saved two set points to force a tie-break, which he went on to win.
The pivotal moment in the second arrived in the ninth game, when Alcaraz seized his opportunity to secure a break before serving out for the set to take it to a decider.
There has been little to separate the pair in the early stages of their careers, with their head-to-head record now 6-4 in Alcaraz’s favour, and it was another fine example of what the future of tennis has to offer in Beijing.
Sinner has made a habit of winning big games over the course of 2024, prevailing in all six of his previous finals – including the Australian Open and US Open – and he found an extra gear to mount another fightback in the final set.
Trailing 4-2 in the third, Sinner won three successive games to wrestle back momentum and send the encounter to a match-deciding tie-break.
Sinner looked firmly in control after opening up a 3-0 advantage, but Alcaraz would not be denied.
He rattled off seven successive points to claim victory and make it three wins on the bounce against the two-time Grand Slam champion.
“During the whole week I’ve been playing great tennis, some luck went to my side but I felt great on the court too,” Alcaraz said.
The win means he is the first player to win an ATP 500 title on all three surfaces.
