For most players, Carlos Alcaraz is one of the two toughest matchups in tennis along with Novak Djokovic.
Jannik Sinner is not one of those players.
Sinner improved to 4-3 lifetime in his head-to-head series with Alcaraz by winning their China Open semifinal showdown on Tuesday, and now it is arguably the Italian’s most difficult opponent who stands in his way of the title. Sinner and Daniil Medvedev will clash in the Beijing final on Wednesday after Medvedev won the other semifinal against Alexander Zverev.
Surprisingly, Medvedev has swept all six of his previous meetings with Sinner–all on hard courts. They faced each other outdoors for the first time earlier this season in Miami (also in the final), where the Russian triumphed 7-5, 6-3. Their other 2023 encounter came in yet another final on the indoor hard courts of Rotterdam, with Medvedev getting the job done 5-7, 6-2, 6-2.
Sinner has at least managed to force third sets in exactly half of their matches (including a decisive tiebreaker at the 2021 Nitto ATP Finals), and he should be able to make Wednesday’s contest competitive. The 22-year-old is an amazing 48-13 this season, up to No. 7 in the world, and on the brink of clinching a place in the Nitto ATP Finals. Sinner secured his spot in the Beijing final by beating Dan Evans, Yoshihito Nishioka, Grigor Dimitrov, and Alcaraz.
Along with Djokovic and Alcaraz, Medvedev is one of three players who have already punched their ticket to Turin. The world No. 3 is 59-12 for his 2023 campaign, with five titles–two 1000s, two 500s, and a 250. He is on the verge of another ATP 500 triumph following victories over Tommy Paul, Alex de Minaur, Ugo Humbert and Alexander Zverev. Only De Minaur managed to take a set in those first four rounds, and Medvedev was especially impressive during a 6-4, 6-3 rout of an in-form Zverev on Tuesday.
There are not many guys who can get the best of Medvedev’s defense, no matter how big they hit the ball. Sinner is one the biggest hitters on tour and he has still never been able to do it. As well as Beijing’s sixth seed is playing, both the physical and mental challenge of facing Medvedev will likely be too tough for him.
Pick: Medvedev in 3
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who ya got?
Definitely Med! He is just a bad match up for Sinner.
Was wrong. Sinner was better player. Much more proactive. Med played too passive and didn’t play either tb well. Sinner served a lot better than usual and Med didn’t get the free points he needs with his big serve.
Congrats to Jannik!
agree w/Amy (above)….Congrats to the Italian!!