World no. 2 Jannik Sinner arrived in Beijing a couple of hours after lifting his second China Open crown in Beijing. The 24-year-old reclaimed the ATP 500 title after losing it a year ago to Carlos Alcaraz.
Jannik will try to embrace a perfect Chinese swing and defend his Shanghai Masters trophy claimed last year over Novak Djokovic. World no. 1 Carlos Alcaraz will not compete in Shanghai after conquering Tokyo.
Thus, Sinner will have a chance to reduce the deficit in the year-end no. 1 battle, with the Spaniard currently holding a 2600-point advantage ahead of the final events of the season.
The Italian lost the US Open final to Alcaraz in four sets. He worked on improvements and returned to winning ways in the Chinese capital. The 24-year-old survived tests from Terence Atmane and Alex de Minaur en route to a place in the final.
Jannik faced the young American Learnen Tien in the title clash and earned a 6-2, 6-2 victory in an hour and 12 minutes. The favorite had the upper hand on serve and return, defending both break points in the second set and providing four breaks.
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Interestingly, the organizers arranged a flight for Jannik and Learnen, who are heading toward the new challenge at the Masters 1000 event in Shanghai. Last year, Sinner lost one set en route to a trophy at the most notable Asian event a year ago.
The Italian ousted Ben Shelton, Daniil Medvedev and Tomas Machac after strong performances and arranged the title clash against Novak Djokovic. World no. 1 scored a 7-6, 6-3 victory in an hour and 37 minutes.
Sinner faced no break points and kept the pressure on the four-time champion. Novak fought well in the opener, losing it in the tie break and suffering one break in the second set to propel the 23-year-old over the top.
Jannik will start the titledefense against Daniel Altmaier, hoping for another strong run in China and a chance to seek his fourth ATPcrown of the season and the second in a row.
