The ATP 500 China Open in Beijing has delivered the final everyone was hoping for: Jannik Sinner versus Carlos Alcaraz. These two young stars have dominated tennis in 2024, winning all four Grand Slam titles between them. It's only fitting that they now meet in the final of the China Open, where the stakes are high for both players, who are widely regarded as the best in the world this year.
Carlos Alcaraz holds a slight edge in their head-to-head, leading 5-4 over Jannik Sinner. Of the nine matches they've played on the ATP tour, five have been on outdoor hardcourts, and Alcaraz leads 3-2 on this surface—relevant since the China Open is also played on hardcourt. Their last two encounters were in 2024, with Alcaraz winning both: a semifinal at Roland Garros and another semifinal at the ATP 1000 event in Indian Wells. However, Sinner has some recent success against Alcaraz in Beijing, having defeated him in two sets at the 2023 China Open.
Carlos Alcaraz has been in imperious form at the ATP 500 China Open, not dropping a single set en route to the final. Coming into Beijing as the standout performer for Team Europe at the Laver Cup in Berlin, it appears that the Laver Cup served as a great reset for him following a disappointing early exit at the US Open. Alcaraz’s victories in Beijing include wins over Mpetshi Perricard, Griekspoor, Khachanov, and a semifinal triumph over Medvedev. Impressively, none of his eight sets thus far have gone to a tiebreak.
Jannik Sinner has faced more challenges on his way to the final. Amid his run, news broke that WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) would appeal his doping case, which could lead to a potential suspension. Despite this cloud hanging over him, Sinner has remained focused and delivered strong performances. He won the US Open earlier this year, and Beijing is his first event since then. Sinner dropped two sets early in the tournament, needing three sets to overcome Jarry in the first round and Safiulin in the second. He then picked up steam, defeating Lehecka and Bu in straight sets, though both of these matches included tiebreaks.
Alcaraz has looked more relaxed and appears to be having fun on the court, hitting the ball cleanly and showing hunger for another title. In contrast, Sinner has been more serious and focused, which is understandable given the off-court issues he’s facing. Still, his mental strength has kept him locked in. Both players are in excellent form, and the final is shaping up to be an epic showdown.
SINNER VS ALCARAZ
2.20
TOTAL SETS - OVER 2.5
SINNER VS ALCARAZ
2.20
TOTAL SETS - OVER 2.5
