Daijiworld Media Network - Beijing
Beijing, Oct 1: World No. 2 Jannik Sinner showcased his class and composure on Wednesday, cruising past American teenager Learner Tien 6-2, 6-2 to capture his second China Open crown in three years.
The 24-year-old Italian, top-seeded at the tournament, took command early on Beijing’s Diamond Court. With two clinical breaks of serve, Sinner wrapped up the opening set in just 34 minutes, never allowing the 19-year-old Tien to settle into the contest.
Tien, ranked 52nd and contesting his maiden ATP final, showed flashes of resistance in the second set, holding serve in the early games. But Sinner's relentless pressure paid off, breaking twice more in the fifth and seventh games. He closed out the match on his third championship point after just 72 minutes on court.
“It’s a very, very special place for me,” said Sinner during the trophy ceremony. “Not the whole team is here today, but I know they’re watching. Thank you for always pushing me to improve. We’ll keep working hard for the rest of the season.”
This victory adds to Sinner’s growing legacy in Beijing. He previously won the title in 2023, defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final after a semifinal win over Carlos Alcaraz. In 2024, he finished runner-up to Alcaraz, making this his third straight final appearance at the China Open.
Tien’s dream run to the final cemented his status as one of the ATP’s brightest young prospects. En route to the championship match, he benefited from mid-match retirements by both Lorenzo Musetti and Medvedev but impressed with his composure throughout the tournament.
Sinner had booked his spot in the final on Tuesday with a hard-fought 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 victory over Australia’s Alex de Minaur. It marked his 11th straight win over De Minaur, though the Australian did manage to take a set off Sinner for the first time since 2020.
With this latest win, Sinner adds another title to an already impressive season, as he continues his chase for the world No. 1 ranking and cements his place among the game's elite.