Jannik Sinner returned to top form with a commanding 6-2, 6-2 win over American teenager Learner Tien in the China Open final on Wednesday, securing his third title of the season and the 21st tour-level trophy of his career.
The world number two was in complete control at Beijing’s National Tennis Centre, showing no signs of the physical discomfort that had troubled him in his semi-final win over Alex de Minaur, where he battled through a stomach bug. In contrast, the final saw a composed and clinical performance from the Italian.
Sinner broke Tien in the opening game and never looked back, taking the first set with ease. Although Tien, playing in his first ATP final, threatened briefly with two break points in the second set, Sinner held firm and went on to build a 4-2 lead before sealing victory on his third match point.
The 19-year-old Tien was aiming to become the youngest American ATP Tour champion since Andy Roddick in 2002. Despite the defeat, his run to the final marked an impressive milestone in his young career.
Sinner became only the second man to win multiple titles at the China Open, following Novak Djokovic, who lifted the trophy six times between 2009 and 2015.
“It is a very, very special place for me,” said Sinner during the trophy presentation. “My team, thank you for understanding and working with me. Not all of them are here, but hopefully they are watching from home. We will try to improve, push for more, and see what the rest of the season looks like.”
The result came just a day after Carlos Alcaraz claimed the Japan Open title, marking the first time since 2020 that the world’s top two players lifted trophies in the same week. Back then, it was Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal who achieved the feat.
Sinner also had words of encouragement for his opponent. “You have shown throughout the whole season what a talent you are. Keep going. You are playing incredible tennis. I wish you all the best for the rest of the season and for your whole career. Hopefully we can share more moments like this in the future.”
Sinner will now shift his focus to the Shanghai Masters, which begins this week, while Alcaraz continues to recover from injury.
