Carlos Alcaraz staged a remarkable comeback to defeat world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, claiming his first China Open title in an exhilarating final on Wednesday. The match, which showcased the talent of both players, concluded with Alcaraz winning 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) after three hours and 21 minutes of intense competition. This victory marks Alcaraz's fourth ATP title of the year and the 16th of his career, reinforcing his status among the elite in men's tennis.
Alcaraz's victory over Sinner halted the Italian's impressive 14-match winning streak and ended his reign as the Beijing champion. The match was particularly tense, especially in the deciding set, where Alcaraz found himself down 3-0 in the final-set tiebreak but rallied to clinch the win. After the match, Alcaraz expressed his admiration for Sinner, acknowledging his extraordinary year both on and off the court.
Sinner's performance in Beijing was under a cloud of scrutiny due to ongoing concerns about a doping case that has plagued him in recent weeks. He faced sleepless nights over the issue, which was reignited when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced it was appealing a decision to clear him of wrongdoing. Despite this pressure, Sinner fought valiantly throughout the match, showcasing his skill and determination.
In the women's draw, Aryna Sabalenka continued her impressive form, securing her 15th consecutive win by defeating Madison Keys 6-4, 6-3. The US Open champion's victory sends her into the quarterfinals, where she will face Karolina Muchova. Sabalenka's dominance on the tour this season has been evident, and she appears on track for a potential semifinal showdown with China's Olympic champion, Zheng Qinwen, who was set to play Amanda Anisimova later in the day.
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