Jannik Sinner eases past Learner Tien to capture second China Open crown
World No. 2 Jannik Sinner produced a commanding display in Beijing on Wednesday, dismantling American teenager Learner Tien 6-2, 6-2 to claim his second China Open crown and the 21st tour-level title of his career.
The Italian, a four-time Grand Slam champion, needed just 81 minutes to seal victory at the National Tennis Centre, bouncing back from a physically draining semi-final against Alex de Minaur to overwhelm the 19-year-old rising star.
Sinner back in full flow
Sinner, who also lifted the China Open trophy in 2023, made an instant statement with a break in the opening game before racing through the first set. Despite battling a stomach bug during his semi-final, the top seed showed no signs of discomfort, dictating the pace with clean ball-striking and rock-solid serving.
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Tien, playing in his maiden ATP Tour final, showed flashes of promise and even carved out two break points early in the second set. But Sinner’s composure proved decisive as he fended them off before breaking again to take full control, closing out the match on his third match point.
“This is a very, very special place for me,” Sinner said during the trophy ceremony. “My team, thanks for understanding and working with me. Not all of them are here, but hopefully the rest are watching from home. We’ll keep pushing to improve and see what the rest of the season brings. But I’m very happy to share this trophy with all of you.”
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For Tien, the defeat may sting, but his run in Beijing provided a glimpse of America’s next big prospect. At 19, he was bidding to become the youngest American ATP champion since Andy Roddick in 2002. His resilience and attacking intent earned praise from Sinner, who tipped him for future success.
“You’ve shown throughout the whole season what a talent you are,” Sinner told him. “Keep going. You’re playing incredible tennis. I wish you all the best for the rest of the season and obviously for your whole career … hopefully we can share more moments like this in the future.”
Historic Double With Alcaraz
Sinner’s victory came just 24 hours after World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz captured the Japan Open, marking the first time since 2020 that the top two men in the ATP Rankings lifted titles in the same week. Back then, Novak Djokovic won in Dubai while Rafael Nadal triumphed in Acapulco.
The pair’s simultaneous success further fuels the narrative of a new golden era in men’s tennis, with Sinner and Alcaraz leading the charge at the very top of the sport.
Eyes on Shanghai
The Italian now turns his attention to the Shanghai Masters, where he will be among the favorites to challenge for another major trophy. Alcaraz, meanwhile, is set to sit out due to injury, offering Sinner an opportunity to close the gap in the year-end race.
With his form peaking again and his confidence restored, Sinner heads to Shanghai firmly established as the man to beat on hard courts.
SportsLigue