World number one Jannik Sinner showcased his resilience on Thursday as he launched the defense of his China Open title with a hard-fought victory over Chilean Nicolas Jarry, ranked 28th in the world. The match, which unfolded in thrilling fashion, concluded with Sinner triumphing 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating tournament.
Fresh from his triumph at the US Open, where he clinched his second Grand Slam title, Sinner arrived in Beijing riding a wave of confidence. His journey in 2024 has been marked by significant achievements, including winning the Australian Open and the Cincinnati Masters, leading to an impressive 11-match winning streak before facing Jarry.
The first set was tightly contested, with both players displaying their skills on the court. Jarry struck first, breaking Sinner’s serve to take a 4-3 lead, capitalizing on a long shot from the top seed. The Chilean continued to apply pressure, consolidating his lead without losing a point in the eighth game. Despite a brief hiccup with a double fault on his first set point, Jarry sealed the opening set with his fifth ace, leaving Sinner momentarily stunned.
However, the setback ignited a determined response from Sinner. The 23-year-old quickly established a 3-0 lead in the second set, demonstrating his ability to regroup under pressure. Although he faced a minor scare when Jarry threatened to break back, Sinner maintained his composure and closed out the set, leveling the match.
With momentum on his side, Sinner dominated the deciding set. He effectively neutralized Jarry’s powerful serve, breaking early with a stunning crosscourt backhand that set the tone for the remainder of the match. Sinner broke Jarry again to extend his lead to 4-1, and from there, he cruised to a comfortable victory.
Looking ahead, Sinner will face either the seasoned three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka—who secured a wildcard entry—or Russia’s Roman Safiullin in the next round. With Wawrinka’s experience and Safiullin’s rising form, Sinner will need to stay sharp and focused as he aims to continue his quest for the title.
As the tournament unfolds, Sinner faces formidable competition from four-time major champion Carlos Alcaraz and the Russian duo of Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev, who are seeded third and fourth, respectively. Notably, Novak Djokovic, another top contender, is absent from this year’s event.
With a WTA 1000 event also taking place concurrently in Beijing, the atmosphere in the Chinese capital is electric, and fans can expect thrilling matches as Sinner seeks to reaffirm his status as one of the premier players in men’s tennis. As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on Sinner to see if he can maintain his remarkable form and defend his title successfully.
