Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner do battle in a blockbuster China Open final and a clash between the two best players in the world this year.
World No 1 Sinner, 23 won the Australian Open and US Open for his first grand slam titles this season but in between Alcaraz, 21, lifted the French Open and Wimbledon titles. Alcaraz defeated Sinner in five sets in the Roland Garros semi-final, in what was the last meeting of the two young rivals.
This will be the 10th match between the Italian and Spaniard, and their first final since 2022 after five consecutive clashes in semi-finals. Sinner won the China Open last year and is looking to defend his crown, with Alcaraz trying to close the gap to World No 1 over the remainder of the season.
Off the court, Sinner continues to play amid his anti-doping controversy, which has taken a fresh twist since the start of Beijing. Sinner, though, has racked up 15 wins in a row, while Alcaraz has won eight in a row since his shock defeat in the US Open second round.
Follow live updates and the latest score from Beijing as Alcaraz and Sinner meet in the final of the China Open
Carlos Alcaraz 4-1 Jannik Sinner*
Alcaraz makes a wonderful start, rushing into the net after landing a lovely volley inside the baseline on the opening point. He’s all over Sinner right now.
Jamie Braidwood2 October 2024 10:41
Carlos Alcaraz 4-1 Jannik Sinner*
A confident hold from Alcaraz, as he turns to his drop shot on the opening point to catch Sinner out. The Italian then pushes wide on the backhand and is unable to take advantage of an improvised return.
Another baseline exchange does Alcaraz’s way. He consolidates the break.
Jamie Braidwood2 October 2024 10:38
*Carlos Alcaraz 3-1 Jannik Sinner – Alcaraz breaks!
A double fault from Sinner on 15-15 hands an opening to Alcaraz and the Spaniard attacks to step into the net and put away the volley to get a look at break point for the second game in a row.
And he takes it! Alcaraz attacked with the forehand, but it’s the backhand to Sinner’s that earns him the breakthrough. Brilliant striking from Alcaraz and Sinner is forced into the miss.
Jamie Braidwood2 October 2024 10:35
Carlos Alcaraz 2-1 Jannik Sinner*
Sinner asks the question of Alcaraz after getting to 15-30 and then the Spaniard gets a little loose coming in for the volley. It lands out and Sinner gets his first look at break point.
Alcaraz maintains his aggressive approach break point down and Sinner nets on the forehand. Another deuce game.
Brilliant! Sinner took charge from the baseline as he found an angle on the forehand. He sends Alcaraz running wide on the backhand, but he delivers the winner down the line.
Alcaraz steps in on the forehand – another winner! Great save from Alcaraz.
Jamie Braidwood2 October 2024 10:27
*Carlos Alcaraz 1-1 Jannik Sinner
Sinner gets to game point but Alcaraz eats up the second serve and launches himself into the forehand. Sinner defends at first but then drifts the forehand long.
Alcaraz nets on the return, but then Sinner gets his hold. Alcaraz looked to attack the net but Sinner stood firm and thumps the forehand winner after reading his opponent.
That was a classic Alcaraz-Sinner exchange. Nice hold from Sinner from 0-40 down.
Jamie Braidwood2 October 2024 10:23
Carlos Alcaraz 1-0 Jannik Sinner*
Awesome ball-striking from both on the opening point of the Sinner service game, but Alcaraz comes out on top as he sends Sinner the wrong way.
Alcaraz then steps in behind the forehand and cracks the winner inside the line. An early chance for the 21-year-old at 0-30.
Sinner comes into the net but leaves a gap for Alcaraz to find and he sends a third consecutive winner to bring up three break points.
A chance for Alcaraz – but the pick-up volley drifts out. Alcaraz then goes long, so two break points saved from Sinner.
HUGE serve. That’s three break points saved from the Italian. Onto deuce we go.
Jamie Braidwood2 October 2024 10:17
Carlos Alcaraz 1-0 Jannik Sinner*
A wicked backand return down the from Sinner on the opening point, he goes the same way on 15-15 and Alcaraz cracks his backhand into the net.
15-30. But Alcaraz ramps up the forehand on the first pressure point and gets his reward as Sinner is pushed back.
Good serving from Alcaraz and another big forehand blast as the Spaniard holds to start this China Open final.
Jamie Braidwood2 October 2024 10:12
*Carlos Alcaraz 0-0 Jannik Sinner
The Diamond Court in Beijing is a lovely, circular bowl, like a bullfighting ring. And it’s completely full for this morning’s blockbuster final. Alcaraz will serve to get us started.
Jamie Braidwood2 October 2024 10:09
Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner: And here they come!
We’re almost ready to go in Beijijng! Alcaraz leads Sinner out onto the court for what is their second ATP Tour final. It’s a treat for tennis fans at the China Open.
Alcaraz is already jumping around the court in his sleeveless vest, while Sinner walks out in his hoodie before shaking hands at the net with his young rival.
We’ll have a quick knock-up and then begin. Sinner wins the toss and elects to receive.
Jamie Braidwood2 October 2024 10:03
Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner: Head to heads
There are usually fireworks when Alcaraz and Sinner meet and they’ve played some classic matches already.
The US Open quarter-final was record-breaking as the latest finish in New York, while the Miami Open semi-final last year produced the ATP’s point of the year.
2024: Roland Garros, semi-final, outdoor clay – Alcaraz wins in five sets
2024: Indian Wells, semi-final, outdoor hard – Alcaraz wins in three sets
2023: China Open, semi-final, outdoor hard – Sinner wins in two sets
2023: Miami Open, semi-final, outdoor hard – Sinner wins in three sets
2023: Indian Wells, semi-final, outdoor hard – Alcaraz wins in two sets
2022: US Open, quarter-final, outdoor hard – Alcaraz wins in five sets
2022: Umag, final, outdoor clay – Sinner wins in three sets
2022: Wimbledon, round of 16, grass – Sinner wins in four sets
2021: Paris Masters, round of 32, indoor hard – Alcaraz wins in two sets
Jamie Braidwood2 October 2024 10:02