As usual, the Jannik Sinner vs. Carlos Alcaraz matchup did not disappoint.
In their 10th meeting and first ATP 500 final, Alcaraz outlasted Sinner 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3) to capture the China Open title on Wednesday night. The Spaniard came back from a set down, from two break points down at 3-4 in the second, and from 3-0 down in the third-set tiebreaker to triumph after three hours and 21 minutes.
“He could [have won] in two, I could [have won] in two, he could [have won] in three; it was a really close match,” Alcaraz commented. “Jannik, once again he showed that he’s the best player in the world–at least for me. The level that he’s playing, it’s unbelievable. It’s a really high quality of tennis. Physically (and) mentally, he’s a beast.”
In this match, though, it was Alcaraz’s physical and mental toughness that helped him clinch victory even though he played from behind most of the way. The second seed’s first notable lead finally arrived when he broke Sinner for 2-1 in the decider, but the Italian eventually broke back for 4-4. A 3-0, double-break advantage for Sinner in the ensuing ‘breaker felt like it would be enough, but Alcaraz promptly reeled off seven points in succession with a flurry of incredible shot-making.
“I never lost hope,” the four-time major champion assured. “Three-love down, two mini-breaks for him, . I didn’t lose hope…. But I thought, ‘Okay, I have to give everything that I have just to try to give myself the opportunity to be close.’
“I played great points just to make 3-all and after that I just thought to go for it. If I lost it, at least I went for it. So that’s all I thought in that moment.”
Alcaraz is now 3-0 against Sinner this season and 6-4 overall in what has been an enthralling head-to-head series. Sinner was the defending champion in Beijing but still holds a huge lead atop the ATP rankings. With his 500 points for the title, Alcaraz is back up to No. 2 in the world–passing Alexander Zverev.
nice one, Carlos
Just seen the highlights, looked a terrific, exciting match.
It was Margot, one of the best matches I’ve seen this year to be honest, if you have the highlights, relive and enjoy 🤗
Thanks Alison. Since Amazon lost rights to tennis, I’ve only watched the slams “live.” Highlights are on youtube of course, but I’m not as interested in replays.
I really enjoy watching both these two players, Carlos still edges it for me though😊
Both these guys have been amazing this year, can’t wait for the WTFs for once
Carlos is taking it to Sinner. WTF will be fun.
Meanwhile, I notice that a sad QF is going on in Beijing. Old Shuai Zhang is trying to keep up with Paula Badosa, who has her groove back. It’s nice that the relationship with Tsitsipas has not harmed Paula’s tennis! Paula should be the winner in this match. But I’m hoping Shang can resist enough to win this second set, though she lacks a power serve and strength.
Hi Elizabeth did you see my posts hun
Yes, indeed, Ali!
And did you see my post to you on TX?
Thanks for coming back here. I’m still awake all night watching the girl I’ve been wanting to see: Ukrainian qualifier Yulia Starodubtsteva. She has been moving up the ranks in 250 tournaments since the US Open and is playing for a spot in the quarterfinals in Beijing vs. Coco Gauff!
However, a thigh is taped, and Yulia has to be worn down some. She is set up on Gauff. She is short in stature for moving on to play the likes of Paula Badosa, who will be next for the winner of this match. Yulia has ice in her veins and appears calm, although Coco is fighting back. May the best one win! 😀
I’m sorry, (not sorry), to be posting about WTA on this page, but I haven’t been able to access the WTA page or the non-tennis forum this week.
Also, I noticed Paula Badosa has been playing doubles with Karolina Muchova all week, but I think they lost their last match. I should take care of that now.
Verified. Badosa/Muchova lost to Kudermetova/Chan H-C
I’ll do anything to keep my mind off Trump/Vance and the war ramping up in the “Holy Lands.” Ayatollah Khomeini and Proxies vs. Bibi Netanyahu. 🤦
Aww stay safe Elizabeth it’s a horrible situation for everyone involved😢
This is how I remain calm, Ali.
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=P3QS83ubhHE&list=PL-IhuLWL-AxXDgky5WK-QXL38BLumhhbe
https://youtu.be/3Nz7gtCArOw?si=LqUkuAKQuzu4JXD2 we need music in the world Elizabeth and I love this song too xx 🌍
Sure, I remember I Robot from that band!
Ali, look who else listens (plays guitar and sings) to music to stay calm and chill.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr1VBV4ksd0
Fantastic tennis by both players….just jaw-dropping points in that 2nd & 3rd set. Fun to watch.
Muchova being Muchova 😀 Nice win Karolina!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9QwUmwmNvc
SFs are set:
1. C. Gauff vs P. Badosa
2. Zheng Q. vs K. Muchova
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1NQdtyjb1M
Karolina’s story is inspiring. However, it’s not the time to count out Coco Gauff!
Beijing Final on Sunday. Coco Gauff did a fantastic job knocking out Paula Badosa. Paula is playing her best tennis, and I have not seen her play so well in a long time, if ever. My mind is not usually focused on her, especially since her love affair with Tsitsipas.
The other SF in Beijing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ9E_cIkmRs
I have not watched any of these matches live. Time Zone difference does not allow it. I either watch the recordings or catch the highlights on YouTube.
I read in the comments that Zheng Q took a tumble at some point, but I didn’t see it. I hope she’s okay.
The Wuhan bracket opens today! I hope to see you there, TDC Bracket Troopers. I also hope you all are well. It’s a mess on the planet. We have a new fire burning in the foothills—I can see it.
Oops! ^^ That was not the correct link to the Gauff/Badosa SF!
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=wta+beijing+semifinal+Gauff+vs+Badosa+2024
https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/wuhan-open-2024-women-s-singles-draw-analysis-preview-prediction-ft-potential-coco-gauff-aryna-sabalenka-sf-jessica-pegula-paula-badosa-3r
No Iga Swiatek in Wuhan 😭😢
The Split with Coach Witkowski makes me sad and worried, but pulling out of Wuhan and possibly not even playing the WTA finals? I don’t know about the finals yet, but it’s likely. Oh dear. I’m all out of enthusiasm, but this state of mind won’t last.
Iga could quit tennis now with all her accomplishments. She’s done far more than I expected – Agnieska Radwanska comes to mind. How much I loved watching
Aga! I never expected her to fight for #1, win a GS, or be #1. She is a star with her consistency and the happiness watching her wizardry.
On to Wuhan.
Thanks, love, and respect to all TDC bracket troopers 🍂☮♎🔮💙
Stay safe and as calm as possible.
Congratulations to Coco Gauff! Her confidence is back…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt4YtFaifg4
Did dropping Brad Gilbert play a part in this elevation in level?
I heard she wasnt that great . Didn’t see it though.
Wuhan could be very topsy Turvey.
No break at all between back to back Masters.
Well done on picking Muchova and winning Bejing
Thanks, Big Al.
Happy to see you! It’s down to a table for two in the Jalep_Wildguess TDC group.
The largest group has gone from Moo’s to the one I joined at your recommendation. There were quite a few who picked Muchova in that group 😀
But no one can replace those original bracket troopers from Tenngrand. I hope they come back at some point.
With Ricky to open the WTA thread, I won’t hijack an ATP another of his ATP threads like I did last week.
what is wrong with the WTA thread?
Ricky not opening the WTA thread; meant to say
new one – https://tenngrand.com/social/wta-2/
Wta thread won’t open
made a new one – https://tenngrand.com/social/wta-2/
😍 WTA Wuhan
WWW?