Jannik Sinner is set to compete for the China Open title against rising star Learner Tien after both athletes secured their places in the final during an eventful semi-finals day in Beijing.
Sinner, the tournament’s top seed and a favorite for the championship, continued his impressive form by overcoming Alex de Minaur with a final score of 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. This victory marks Sinner’s 30th appearance in a tour-level final, adding to his streak of nine consecutive finals on hard courts. Despite dropping a set for just the second time this week, the Italian managed to regain control in the decisive set after a closely contested match that lasted two hours and twenty minutes.
“I felt like the level was very high,” Sinner reflected post-match. “There were many great rallies and opportunities for both of us. I had my looks in the second set that I couldn’t capitalize on, and he had his chances, making it quite evenly matched. In the final set, I focused on raising my game. Breaking him early gave me the confidence to serve well.”
This will be Sinner’s third final in Beijing, having claimed the title two years ago before falling to Carlos Alcaraz in last year’s edition.
De Minaur, the third seed, initially struggled but found his rhythm in the second set, showcasing aggression and making fewer errors. However, Sinner’s tenacity and tactical adjustments in the third set proved too much for the Australian, ultimately sending him into another title match.
On the other side of the draw, Learner Tien made headlines by reaching his first tour-level final after Daniil Medvedev was forced to retire due to injury. Tien was trailing 5-7, 7-5, 4-0 when Medvedev, visibly hindered, decided to end the match prematurely.
Tien’s resilience shone through as he fought back from deficits in the second set, capitalizing on Medvedev’s errors. “I was down 3-5 and 2-4 in the second and clawed my way back,” Tien said. “I didn’t think anything was wrong with him until he limped back onto the court. I believe it might have been cramping, and I’ve experienced that myself; it’s certainly not easy. It’s unfortunate how it ended, but I’m thrilled to be in the final.”
At 19 years old, Tien becomes the second youngest finalist in China Open history, an achievement that highlights his potential as a future star in the sport.
The stage is set for an exciting final on Wednesday, where Sinner will be aiming to add another title to his collection while Tien seeks to make a significant mark on his burgeoning career.
