MATCH REPORT | 2024 China Open: Sinner survives against Safiullin and fears WADA complaint News

While Jannik Sinner was playing at the China Open, news was confirmed that WADA intended to appeal his verdict in his doping case (not guilty or negligent). But as he had done throughout his ordeal, he continued with his work.

However, Sinner survived a real scare when he defeated Roman Safiullin. He managed his second comeback win in a row against the Russians, taking a 3-0 lead and putting the world number 1 in fear. He prevailed 3:6, 6:2, 6:3, keeping his record of having reached at least the quarterfinals in every tour event he played in 2024. It goes on.

After coming back from a set down to beat Nicolas Jarry, Sinner found himself in trouble again. Safiullin, known for being a player whose ranking position is deceptive and who can cause problems on a good day, showed exactly that. But Sinner responded with force and won after two hours and 22 minutes.

Sinner’s powerful game and his consistency from the baseline wore down his opponents. After 2-2 in the second set, he won seven games in a row to take control and ended up converting four of 13 break points against Safiullin. In doing so, he drew level with Alexander Zverev, who has the most wins on the tour this season, and takes another step towards year-end number 1. He is the standout player this season and, despite unwanted noise in the background, continues to show why is the best. Even when he struggles with adversity on the pitch, as in this case against Safiullin.

He now meets Jiri Lehecka. The Czech ace won against Roberto Bautista Agut in a tough three-set match. Flavio Cobolli also managed a win to start the day. He won 6:4, 6:2 against Pavel Kotov. Daniil Medvedev is also still in the race.

He meets Adrian Mannarino and hopes to reach the last eight together with Sinner.

Sinner survives a second round scare 😮‍💨

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