Point of the year? Alcaraz and Sinner play out incredible rally in China Open

Carlos Alcaraz edged past defending champion Jannik Sinner in a thrilling China Open final, overcoming a set deficit and winning 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3) after three hours and 21 minutes. This victory marks Alcaraz's fourth title of the season.

In Short

• Carlos Alcaraz becomes the 2nd Spaniard after Federer to win China Open
• Carlos Alcaraz clinched title by defeating Jannik Sinner 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3)
• Alcaraz rallied from a set down to secure victory in a tense deciding tie-break

Carlos Alcaraz staged a brilliant comeback from a set down to defeat defending champion Jannik Sinner 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3) in the China Open final on Wednesday in Beijing, clinching his fourth title of the season. The French Open and Wimbledon champion showed great composure and resilience, sealing the victory in a gripping contest that lasted three hours and 21 minutes. The win improved Alcaraz's head-to-head record against Sinner to 6-4 and marked his third triumph over the Italian this season.

Although the stage was not as prestigious as their previous encounters, the latest showdown between the two young stars did not disappoint, with both players pushing each other to the limit in their growing rivalry on the ATP Tour. During the 3rd set, Alcaraz won an insane point against Sinner in what was an insane level of tennis from both as they tested each other to the core. It was Sinner's serve and Alcaraz executed defence, power and finesse to perfection. A sight one gets when excellence meets excellence.

Watch the video here-

The Carlos-Sinner rivalry

Reflecting on the match, Alcaraz praised Sinner's level of play. "He could have won in two, I could have won in two, it was a really close match. Jannik once again showed that he's the best player in the world, with the level that he's playing," Alcaraz said. "It is unbelievable, it's a really high quality of tennis, physically, mentally, he's a beast."

The opening set saw Alcaraz take an early 3-1 lead, but Sinner rallied back, saving two set points in the tie-break to clinch the set. Alcaraz, however, stayed focused and turned the tide in the second set, holding his nerve during a crucial 15-minute game to eventually level the match.
In the deciding set, Alcaraz broke for a 2-1 lead, but Sinner fought back to make it 4-4. The tense battle moved to a final-set tie-break, where Sinner jumped to a 3-0 lead. But Alcaraz, showing immense grit, fought back to win seven of the next eight points and sealed victory with a powerful cross-court forehand.

"I never lost hope, but honestly, I know that stat. Every time that Jannik plays (a tiebreak), it goes to his side," Alcaraz admitted. "At 3-0 down and with two mini breaks for him, 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 it 3-3 and after that, I just thought 'go for it'."

The defeat ended Sinner's chances of becoming the first player since Novak Djokovic to defend the China Open title, with the Serbian having achieved the feat from 2012 to 2015. While Sinner came close, it was Alcaraz who emerged victorious in yet another thrilling chapter of their rivalry.