Carlos Alcaraz secured his fourth title of 2024 with a thrilling victory over Jannik Sinner in the final of the China Open held in Beijing. The match lasted three hours and 21 minutes, making it the longest in the tournament’s history. Alcaraz’s win showcased their intense rivalry, which has become a focal point for tennis fans around the world.
Reflecting on the match, Alcaraz expressed hope that such competitive encounters would draw new fans to tennis. “For people who don’t watch tennis, matches like this might encourage them to start watching or even playing,” he commented. Both players consistently delivered high-quality tennis, characterized by powerful baseline shots and impressive rallies.
With this win, Alcaraz not only continued his undefeated streak against Sinner in 2024, but also improved his head-to-head record to 6-4. Alcaraz praised the mental resilience required to navigate the match, especially after losing a set despite leading 5-2 initially. “I’m really happy with the way I managed that moment,” he said, emphasizing his ability to rebound in the second set.
The final set culminated in a tense tie-break, where Sinner initially took a 3-0 lead. However, Alcaraz rallied back, winning seven consecutive points to clinch the match with a score of 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3). This victory marked his 16th tour-level title and made him the first player in ATP 500 history to win on all three surfaces: hard, clay, and grass.
Alcaraz highlighted the significance of the win, especially in front of his team and family, after a challenging period in his career. He acknowledged the support of his team in reinstating his joy for the game, stating, “We talked a lot during those days, knowing that I have to be back practicing and be stronger both physically and mentally.”
As a result of this victory, Alcaraz is now positioned second in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, reflecting his impressive form following a difficult stretch earlier in the season.