Jannik Sinner loses summit meeting in Beijing final

Narrow bankruptcy after a doping whirlwind: World number one Jannik Sinner lost the duel between the top tennis stars against Carlos Alcaraz after a tough fight. In the final of the ATP tournament in Beijing, the US Open winner from Italy had to defeat the French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz 7:6 (8:6), 4:6, 6:7 (3:7). place. admit defeat.

After a confident tournament run, Sinner defied the newly sparked discussions about his positive doping tests with a strong performance in the final, but in the end Alcaraz celebrated his 16th title on the tour. The 21-year-old Spaniard drew level with his opponent, who was two years older – and made it 6:4 in a direct comparison.

“He could have won, it was very close. Jannik has shown once again that he is the best in the world. “He’s a beast physically and mentally,” said Alcaraz: “I’m proud of myself and very happy that I did.” It’s done.

The Spaniard performed well at the high-class party and, unlike his surprisingly early exit from the US Open in September, made a top-fit ​​impression again. But Sinner fended off a set point and still grabbed the first round. After Alcaraz then fought back, a spectacular tiebreak had to be decided in the third set – with the better end for the Spaniard, who converted his first match point after 3:21 hours of fighting.