Carlos Alcaraz heaped praise on Jannik Sinner after their pulsating China Open final.
The Spaniard and the World number one engaged in yet another titanic tussle and it certainly lived up to the hype.
The pair lit up the Chinese capital and enthralled the crowd in attendance for over three hours with the title on the line.
Over the course of their 10 matches Alcaraz and Sinner have shown exactly why they are the two frontrunners from tennis’ next generation as their speed, precision and athleticism leaves those watching in awe.
In a match that went down to the wire, it was Alcaraz who prevailed in three sets to claim the China Open crown.
How did Carlos Alcaraz turn the China Open final around?
Carlos Alcaraz had the advantage for the majority of set one, but failed to serve for the set and eventually lost it on a tiebreak.
The Spaniard bounced back empathically as he held serve in an intense eighth game of the fourth set to level proceedings at 4-4.
The 21-year-old then won the next two games to win set two and level the match, before opening up a lead in the final set. But Sinner fought back to level proceedings and the Italian found himself just two points away from victory.
The World number one was thwarted by Alcaraz once again as he took the match to a final set tiebreak. Alcaraz rallied from 1-3 down to win five successive points and seal a famous 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3) win in three hours and 21 minutes.
“It was a really close match. Jannik once again showed he is the best player in the world, at least for me,” Alcaraz said during his on-court interview. “The level that he is playing at, is unbelievable. His high quality of tennis, physically, mentally, he’s a beast.”
When asked how he turned the match in his favour, the four-time grand Slam champion added: “I had my chances in the first set, didn’t make it, three set points and I didn’t make it, but in general I am proud of myself with the way that I managed everything, being a set down with a lot of opportunities.
“In the second set 4-3 break point down and to be able to come back after that, for me it was a really good match. I’m really happy that in the third set even though he broke my serve again I gave myself the chance to keep going, play aggressively and at the end I’m really happy that I made it.”
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner praise each other in China Open post-match presentation
There is plenty of admiration and respect between Alcaraz and Sinner and that was evident during the China Open post-match presentation.
Sinner, who came just short of defending his China Open title, said to Alcaraz: “I’d like to start with Carlos and your team. You’re doing an amazing job. You have a great team and family behind you.
“Hopefully we can still play a couple more times in the future, which I’m quite sure. It’s always a big pleasure to share the court with you. Thank you so much.”
When Alcaraz was handed the microphone, he told Sinner: “I’d like to start with Jannik. What can I say about you. The year you’re having is unbelievable.
“You deserve it.. with your team and the work you put every day. I’ve seen you working when I come to the club. You’re really really humble. That makes you an even better success.
“During your whole career and this year, I’d like to congratulate you and your team for great work and great tennis you’re playing. For me, even more important, you and the people around you are great people.. I respect you a lot as a player but even more as a person.”
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
