Though he narrowly lost the 2024 China Open final the match will live long in the memory for Jannik Sinner.
The World number one entered the tournament as the defending champion and came agonisingly close to winning the tournament once again.
But for the third time this season, Sinner was defeated by his rival and friend Carlos Alcaraz in what was an epic championship match.
The Italian found himself two points away from victory, before the four-time Grand Slam champion stormed back to claim his fourth title of the season and a first since defending the Wimbledon title.
Where does Jannik Sinner rank the China Open final in his career?
The vast majority of matches in the Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz rivalry have been thoroughly entertaining and their China Open final was no different.
They contested a three-set epic that included several twists and turns and high-quality shotmaking for over three hours.
Alcaraz prevailed 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3) and outlasted Sinner for the sixth time in 10 meetings in what was a special encounter. Following the contest, Sinner gave his latest match with Alcaraz a very high rating.
“Difficult to say. I feel like every match you play or important match you play, you live a different moment. It’s also very tough to give you the ranking. For sure it’s in the top three, top five,” Sinner said.
“7-6 in the third in a final, it’s always tough. I had some great matches in the past, even if I’m still young as a player. But yeah, I’m always happy to make new experiences, trying to grow.
“Yeah, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. That’s how this sport is. There are very highs and sometimes there are lows. It’s all good.”
Jannik Sinner looks to have a strong finish to a fantastic 2024 season
Sinner has lost just six matches in an incredible campaign that has seen him become one of the world’s best. He has claimed six titles, two of which are Grand Slams and he also became the ATP’s top ranked player for the first time.
Heading into the Shanghai Masters, Sinner is aiming to continue his good form and win a seventh title this season.
“My season is going very, very consistent, very great. We try to keep building and working for the rest of the season,” he said.
“Now in the next tournament, it’s a very important tournament for me because it’s only the second time I play there, but I haven’t reached the final stages of the tournament yet. It’s already trying to concentrate there and hopefully finishing off the season in a very positive way.”
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
