Jannik Sinner came back to the final at the China Open,ATP 500 in Beijing and did so by beating Yunchaokete Bu in two very hard-fought sets. This is his fifteenth consecutive victory starting from the Cincinnati Open, his 21st career final, the 7th of his magnificent 2024.
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To defend the title he will have to overcome the biggest obstacle possible at the moment: Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard defeated Daniil Medvedev in the semifinal of the Chinese event and seems to be finding his best form again.
In the on-court interview, the young Italian leader of the ATP ranking, analyzed the semifinal challenge and also talked about the challenge that awaits him in the final.
"I think it was a tough match. I didn't know my opponent well and so I didn't know what to expect from him, especially at the beginning. In the first set I think I played good tennis, then I lost a bit of intensity in the second. Despite this I had several opportunities, but I wasn't able to take advantage of them. Mentally I stayed there and played a great tie-break. I'm happy to be back in the final again this year in Beijing," said the Italian in the post-match interview and before focusing on Alcaraz: "It will be different with him, because we know each other very well. I'll think about it tomorrow, now I have to rest. I won't have much time. It will be a tough match precisely for what I said before. Every match between us is different, a lot also depends on the moment. Playing a final is always a good moment, so I'll try to enjoy it. I hope it'll be a good match tomorrow."
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In the following press conference, Jannik went into more detail about his performance, also praising the crowd in the stands.
"I'm obviously happy to be back in the final here. It's a really special place. It was a very tough and difficult match. At the beginning I think we both tried to understand a little bit how to play because it was the first time we played each other. After that I had some opportunities in the second set, in the return games. I couldn't take them. Obviously I'm very happy to win in two sets. In the third set you never know what could happen. I thought Bu was an all-round player, very good. It's difficult to play against him. He's had great results in the last month. Obviously he's very, very young. I have the feeling that we'll see him more and more here on the bigger stages. He's a very solid player. He maintained his level throughout the match, which is sometimes difficult to see. He doesn't have any big weaknesses. Forehand, backhand, good serve, good return as well. Obviously there are things that he can definitely improve and will improve," he said.
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Sinner concluded by praising the Chinese crowd for their respect and atmosphere.
"I was very surprised by how fair the crowd was. There was a great atmosphere, with the stadium full. I had the feeling that the match would be very close in the second set. That's exactly what people wanted to see. I always feel like, especially in the night sessions, you have to feel honored to go out on court because they are special occasions, no matter where you are and where you play. Obviously, when you play against a player who comes from the country you play in, it's a little bit different. It was a very fair and loyal crowd. It's the same at the US Open against the Americans, a little bit different, but always very fair. It's always nice to be part of the matches," added the Italian.
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Carlitos, meanwhile, seems to have found his best condition and offered an excellent performance to beat the Russian Medvedev, a tennis player who particularly suffers from the young Spaniard.
At the press conference, Alcaraz analyzed the match, explaining: "I think I played very well today, it is clear that to face Daniil you have to play at a very high level and you have to be very skilled in the key moments. Today I felt good on the court and that makes me happy. I arrive at the final in the best possible way and I am happy to have played the first final here."
The 4-time Grand Slam champion also praised the Chinese crowd: "Honestly I was surprised to see the stadium full on Tuesday, I was happy to see so many people. Danilo and I played a great match and I think the people were passionate, it was fantastic for the spectators and they loved this challenge."
