Sinner schools Learner to back up China Open title

Jannik Sinner claimed his second title in three years at the China Open on Wednesday, giving a 6-2, 6-2 lesson to Learner Tien in the Beijing final.

The Italian who stands second in the world now owns three trophies this season, with his other two Grand Slam honours in Melbourne and Wimbledon. The 24-year-old now holds 21 career trophies.

The success came less than a month after losing the Open final in New York to Carlos Alcaraz, who withdrew on Wednesday from the Shanghai Masters due to “physical issues (ankle injury).”

“Unfortunately, I’ve been struggling with some physical issues and, after discussing with my team, we believe the best decision is to rest and recover,” the world No. 1 said.

“I was really looking forward to playing in front of the amazing fans in Shanghai again. I hope to be back soon and see my Chinese fans next year.”

Sinner dominated in 72 minutes against teenaged American opponent Tien, playing his first ATP final.

“It (Beijing) is a very, very special place for me,” 2023 Beijing champion Sinner said.

Sinner can make up ground on Alcaraz in the season points race to the top ranking, which the Spaniard claimed back with his US Open title.

But with Alcaraz skipping Shanghai, Sinner could further close a gap of just over 2,500 points.

Main photo:- Jannik Sinner with Beijing Open trophy – by ATPTour.com