Alcaraz clinches Beijing with 3rd defeat of Sinner

Carlo Alcaraz battled back to overhaul Jannik Sinner on Wednesday to claim the title at the China Open.

The Spaniard world No. 3 earned his third straight win over the world No. 1 who was  denied a seventh ATP title this season with the 6-7 (6), 6-4, 7-6, (3) defeat which lasted for nearly three and a half hours.

Alcaraz came from a double mini-break down in the final-set tiebreaker as he took victory after Sinner had won 18 or his 19 previous deciders.

The Spaniard has now defeated the Italian three times this season with previous wins in semi-finals at Indian Wells and Roland Garros.

Sinner was defending the title in the Chinese capital; Alcaraz now leads their series 6-4.

Sinner came to the oddball Wednesday final after nine matches here but was unable to become the second in tournament history to defend the title after six-time champion Novak Djokovic (2009-10, 2012-15).

The 21-year-old Alcaraz is the youngest winner here since Marcos Baghdatis in 2006.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better week here in Beijing,” the winner said. “Either of us could have won and Jannik showed why he’s the best in the world.

“It was a high quality of tennis, physically and mentally. In the first set I had chances with three set points.

“But I’m proud with the way I fought back and managed everything; it was a really good match for me.”

The Spaniard said that he did not give up hope despite going two mini-breaks down in the third-set decider:

“I didn’t lose hope, but I knew I would have to give all that I had. I just went for it. If I had lost, at least I’d tried.

“There was some luck involved, but I’ve been playing good tennis all week. I felt good on and off the court.”

Alcaraz converted on three of his 15 break chances and won with 55 winners and 52 unforced errors.