The China Open 2024 concluded with a thrilling match that marked the end of Jannik Sinner‘s championship reign. The world’s top two players clashed on the hard courts of Beijing and although Sinner put up a valiant fight against his rival Carlos Alcaraz, he ultimately fell short leaving renowned journalist Candy Reid speechless by a match that she could only describe as “a cauldron of excitement.”

Sinner showed impressive form leading up to the final, dominating his earlier matches with powerful serves and strategic play. There were high hopes for the Italian to continue his reign. He had won the China Open title last year as well and during that campaign, he had actually beaten Alcaraz in the semifinals. So this was a bit of a revenge for Alcaraz. However, the result was unexpected for some and Reid believes even Alcaraz surprised himself by beating Sinner. “But this time it was the Spaniard and he had that mega-walk grin at the end. I don’t think he could believe it, that he could beat Sinner,” Reid said on the Tennis Channel Inside-In podcast.

During the match that lasted over three hours, Carlos Alcaraz edged out Sinner with a score of 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3). It was a nail-biter with continuous back-and-forth between the two players. Sinner had a high chance of prevailing, as Reid pointed out, “We thought Sinner was going to win it because he was reeling up in that tiebreaker.” However, the Spaniard displayed remarkable tenacity, overcoming a set deficit and eventually winning the match. He pulled off an incredible comeback in the deciding-set tie-break, winning seven consecutive points from 0/3 down to secure the title.

During a post-match interview, Alcaraz admitted that he did not see this coming, “He could [have won] in two, I could win in two, he could win in three. It was a really close match,” Praising Sinner’s performance, the Wimbledon champion stated, “Jannik, once again, he showed that he’s the best player in the world, at least for me. The level that he’s playing, it’s unbelievable. It’s a really high quality of tennis. Of shots, physically, mentally, he’s a beast.”

However, Reid’s critical observation lingered, “I don’t think Sinner ever played his absolute best tennis at this tournament.” Well, Sinner has faced off-court challenges this season. The doping controversy at the Indian Wells, for which he was let off by the Independent Tribunal, has resurfaced, with WADA appealing against the tribunal’s decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).

Sinner admits being uncomfortable by WADA’s appeal

Jannik Sinner recently expressed disappointment regarding WADA’s appeal which will now be heard in the Court of Arbitration of Sports. After testing positive for a low amount of Clostebol earlier this year, Sinner has been under scrutiny. Despite being cleared by the ITIA after explaining that the substance entered his system unintentionally through treatment from his physiotherapist, WADA has appealed for a potential ban of up to two years on Sinner.

“It’s not a situation where I feel comfortable,” Sinner admitted at a press conference ahead of his first match at the Shanghai Masters. “I had three hearings, which went my way, which was good, but now let’s see. But I’m very confident that it comes out very positively,” the World No.1 further added.

Now as he turns his focus to Shanghai, Sinner is excited about the possibility of facing Alcaraz again. “We are quite similar as human beings off the court,” he noted. “Obviously on the court, we try to meet, we try to put on a big fight… he pushes me to do better, which is something good.” In his opening match at the Shanghai Masters, Sinner will take on Japan’s Taro Daniel. Expressing optimism about his readiness, he stated, “I had my first practice session just now; I just finished, so I feel good. I feel recovered.”

With the doping controversy having resurfaced, Sinner is under pressure and it might not be easy for him to maintain the standard of his performance on the court, moving ahead. However, he has already shown his resilience this season, winning the US Open amid massive criticism off the court. Can he handle the external pressure and come up victorious at Shanghai too? Only time will tell.