Sixth seed Jannik Sinner produced a masterclass in aggressive tennis to hand Carlos Alcaraz a 7-6(4) 6-1 defeat in the semi-final of the China Open on Tuesday to book a title clash with the in-form Daniil Medvedev.
Jannik Sinner edged a tight first set in the latest chapter of his growing rivalry with world number two Carlos Alcaraz before the Italian went on the offensive in the next to reel off the games and seal his fourth win over the Spaniard in seven meetings. “I’d say every match against him is very tough,” Jannik Sinner said.
“We both show great respect and play great. Today I played a little better in the important moments. “The second set was 6-1 but he had a lot of chances. I tried to stay focused. The first set was more of a rollercoaster and I had to stay there mentally.
“I’m very happy about the performance.” Earlier, second seed Daniil Medvedev had an easier than expected 6-4 6-3 semi-final win over familiar rival Alexander Zverev. This was the fifth meeting between the pair this year and although Russian world number three Daniil Medvedev won three of the previous four, Zverev had won their most recent clash in Cincinnati.
Zverev won the Chengdu title last week, but the German’s seven-match winning streak ended as Daniil Medvedev’s strong serve saw him save all four breakpoints he faced. “I’m really happy with my level. Roof closed, different conditions today, much faster,” Daniil Medvedev said.
