Jannik Sinner kept it as humble as possible when asked about the prospect of breaking Novak Djokovic's Beijing record as the world No. 2 declared the Serb's achievements "a different league."
On Wednesday, Sinner captured his second title at the China Open after ousting Learner Tien 6-2 6-2 in the final. For the 24-year-old Italian, it was his second title in Beijing. Previously, he won the tournament in 2023 before finishing as runner-up last year.
At the China Open, Djokovic is an all-time champion with his six titles. And he owns the record in the most impressive way possible since he has never lost a match in Beijing - the Serb made it all the way at the tournament in 2009 and 2010 - didn't play in 2011 - before taking the next four editions between 2012 and 2015. As you can see, the 38-year-old Serb hasn't competed at the China Open in 10 years.
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Sinner on if he can break Djokovic's all-time Beijing record
I don't know (smiling). I always say comparing me to Novak, he's in different league with everything he has achieved in his career. I'm just a normal 24-year-old who tries to play the best tennis possible," the Italian tennis superstar said.
"I know l've won some great titles in my young career, but let's see how long I can hold it. What Novak, Rafa and Roger did for 15-plus years was amazing. Novak is still here and showing some incredible tennis. So let's see. But I'm not comparing myself. I'm here to play. I'm here to enjoy. I'm also happy that I can say that I won two times here."
So far this season, Djokovic has appeared in only 11 tournaments. And considering that he has stated several times this year that he is focused on the Grand Slams, it won't be surprising at all if he doesn't play ever again at the ATP 500 tournament in Beijing.
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On the other side, the China Open has been a happy hunting ground for Sinner, and all the chances are that the Italian will achieve more success in Beijing before he retires.
