It was the 2024 Roland Garros semifinal. Carlos Alcaraz was up against Jannik Sinner in a thrilling battle of youngsters. The Italian star was riding high on the back of winning the Australian Open title earlier this season. However, Alcaraz held his nerves to prevail in five sets in what was a thrilling battle lasting over four hours. Fast forward to the Asian swing of the ATP Tour, Alcaraz is already wary of facing Sinner once again in the final of the China Open.

In the first semifinal, Alcaraz defeated Daniil Medvedev to make it to the summit clash. The second semifinal was yet to begin between Jannik Sinner and Yunchaokete Bu of China. As a result, when Alcaraz was asked in a post-match interview who he hoped to face in the summit clash of the China Open, he revealed, “Obviously Bu (smiling). I’m not going to lie. Jannik is the best player in the world right now. I mean, Bu is playing a great tennis during the whole week, beating really top players. If I have to choose or I could say who is the best for me to play a final, if I want to win it, Bu. As I always said, I really like the battles, the toughest match facing the best players in the world. So if I play against Jannik in the final, I will be happy, as well.”

However, as it unfolded, in the second semifinal, Sinner defeated Yunchaokete Bu comfortably in straight sets to set up a clash with Alcaraz. Interestingly, Alcaraz leads Sinner 5-4 in their head-to-head record. And, he has won both the matches he has played against the World Number 1 this year.

While Alcaraz is wary of facing Sinner, the latter expects a thrilling match when the two go up against each other.

Jannik Sinner on facing Carlos Alcaraz: ‘Going to be a tough match’

Revenge will be on the cards for Sinner as he looks to level his head-to-head record against Alcaraz. On the other hand, the Spaniard will look to end Sinner’s winning streak. The Italian’s last defeat came at the Canadian Open in August. Despite having a superior season to Alcaraz, Sinner expects a tough battle against his rival and good friend.

Ahead of their clash, Sinner revealed, “It’s going to be a tough match. We know each other very well now, but every match is different, so the situation on the court is also a bit different than it was the last two matches. But let’s see. I’m happy to be again here in the final. My season is going very, very good and playing finals is always a great moment. I just hope tomorrow is going to be a good match from both of us.”

Further, Sinner will look to silence the critics, who have been vocal after WADA has challenged the ITIA’s decision and has sought a ban on the Italian for his failed dope tests at the Indian Wells earlier this year. The agency opened Sinner’s case and appealed in the CAS, asking for a potential ban of a year or two for the Italian star. Amid this controversy, Sinner will look to focus on his much-anticipated clash against Alcaraz which will take place on Diamond Court tomorrow.