Sinner aims to give Learner a Chinese lesson

Jannik Sinner needed three sets to maintain his unblemished record over Alex de Minaur, with the Italian standing one win away on Tuesday from a second title at the China Open.

The world No. 2 booked his  spot in the Beijing final 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 and will now hope to teach a lesson to opponent Learner Tien.

The American advanced into his first ATP final as former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev quit trailing 5-7, 7-5, 4-0.

2023 Beijing champion Sinner, second in the rankings behind Carlos Alcaraz, will be playing his ninth straight hardcourt final and the 30th title match of his career.He now stands an overwhelming 11-0 over Australian de Minaur since the pair first met at the NextGen Finals six years ago.

Sinner polished his record in the series with victory in just under two and a half hours and was pleased with his showing.

“The level was very high with many great rallies, many great chances for both.

“I had my chances in the second set and couldn’t use them but he had his chances and it was quite an even match.

“In the third set I tried to raise my level. I broke him very early, which gave me confidence to then serve better. It was a different match than usual against him, it was a very even match.”

Sinner will be competing in his third final here (he lost in 2024 to Alcaraz).and seeking his 21st career trophy.

“I was serving very well today, but (de Minaur) neutralised my serve very well. He was moving very fast and this court is quite slow at times, so he arrives at more balls.

“I tried to stay concentrated and not lose mental energy. It was a very difficult match today, so I am very happy.”

Tien, aged 19, had never reached a Tour semi-final and heads into his debut final with confidence after holding on against the experienced Medvedev after trailing 1-4, and 3-5 in the third set.

“I was down and clawed my way back,” Tien said, adding that he was puzzled by his opponent’s physical problem . 

“I didn’t think anything was wrong with him and then he came out of the bathroom break kind of limping, so I was not sure if he was cramping or if he was injured as he had tape on his leg. 

“I think it was cramping and I have been there and it is not fun. All the best to him and it is not how you want to come through a match but I am happy to be in the final.”