Alcaraz Claims Third 2024 Victory Over Sinner in Thrilling Beijing Final

Alcaraz Claims Third 2024 Victory Over Sinner in Thrilling Beijing Final

Carlos Alcaraz added another chapter to his thrilling rivalry with Jannik Sinner on Wednesday, clinching the 2024 China Open title in Beijing. In a gripping final, the Spaniard battled to a 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3) victory over World No. 1 Sinner. The three-hour and 21-minute match, the longest in the tournament’s history, saw Alcaraz overcome a break deficit in both the first and third sets, showing his resilience in a dramatic finish.

Alcaraz’s win marked his third triumph over Sinner in 2024, extending his head-to-head lead to 6-4. It’s the first time either player has won three consecutive matches in their closely contested rivalry, which has been one of the most captivating storylines on the ATP Tour since their first meeting in 2021.

Reflecting on the match, Alcaraz said, “He could have won in two [sets], I could have won in two, but it went to three. It was a very close match. Jannik is an incredible player, and to me, he’s the best in the world right now. His level of play, both physically and mentally, is astonishing.”

The final in Beijing had the audience on the edge of their seats. Alcaraz started strong but couldn’t convert any of his three set points in the first set. Sinner fought back from a 2-5 deficit, ultimately winning the tie-break and taking the lead in the match. The Italian seemed in control, but Alcaraz refused to back down.

In the second set, Alcaraz found himself under intense pressure when serving at 3-4. In what became a key turning point, he held his nerve to save two break points in a 14-minute game before breaking Sinner’s serve in the following game. This momentum shift helped him level the match at one set all.

Heading into the final set, Alcaraz broke early to take a 3-1 lead. But Sinner, determined to become only the second man after Novak Djokovic to defend the Beijing title, fought back. He recovered to force a tie-break and even took a commanding 3-0 lead. At that point, Sinner seemed destined for victory, but Alcaraz had other plans. The Spaniard reeled off seven straight points to win the tie-break, sealing one of the most memorable matches of the 2024 season.

Alcaraz's aggressive play at the net was crucial to his success. He won 74% of points (25 out of 34) when he moved forward, according to Infosys ATP Stats. This assertive style paid off, allowing him to clinch his ninth consecutive tour-level win and the second-longest ATP final this year, only behind the Hamburg final where Arthur Fils defeated Alexander Zverev in three hours and 33 minutes.

Reflecting on his performance, Alcaraz acknowledged his missed opportunities but expressed pride in how he managed to turn the match around. “I had chances in the first set but couldn’t convert them,” he said. “I had three set points, but it didn’t happen. Even when I was down a set and facing break points in the second, I stayed focused and kept fighting. I’m really proud of how I handled the situation.”

With this win, Alcaraz not only strengthened his position in the ATP rankings but also closed the gap between himself and Sinner in the race for the Year-End No. 1 title, presented by PIF. Although still trailing by 2,820 points in the ATP Live Race to Turin, Alcaraz remains in the hunt for the prestigious year-end honor.

This victory also cemented Alcaraz’s place in ATP history. He became the first player to win ATP 500 titles on all three surfaces (hard, clay, and grass) since the series began in 2009. “It’s been an amazing week here in Beijing,” Alcaraz said after the final. “I felt good on the court, and I’m thankful for the support from my team. The energy on and off the court has been great, and I’m just happy to have played such good tennis.”

Despite the loss, Sinner proved once again why he’s considered one of the top players in the world. After a slow start, the Italian clawed his way back into the first set, winning the tie-break and putting himself in a strong position to take the match. He continued to fight throughout the final, forcing Alcaraz to dig deep for the victory.

Sinner will now look ahead to the Rolex Shanghai Masters, where both he and Alcaraz are expected to continue their fierce rivalry. Alcaraz, fresh off his Beijing triumph, will enter the tournament with plenty of confidence. “I’m going to try to carry this momentum forward,” he said. “It’s important to stay calm and keep playing with a positive attitude. I’m excited for what’s next.”

This match in Beijing is just the latest chapter in what promises to be one of the defining rivalries of this generation. Both Alcaraz and Sinner have demonstrated their ability to perform at the highest level, and tennis fans can look forward to many more epic battles between these two young stars in the years to come.