Beijing Final Bid: Sinner Edges De Minaur to Reach Title Match
In a gripping clash on the hard courts of Beijing, Jannik Sinner defeated Alex De Minaur 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 after 2 hours and 20 minutes to advance to the China Open final. The win marks Sinner’s third consecutive final at the event, where he will face the winner of the other semifinal between Daniil Medvedev and a rival known as Tien. A moment of concern briefly arose when Sinner moved with difficulty, hinting at a cramp in his right leg, but he battled through and finished strongly.
First Set: Sinner’s weapons set the tone
The opening frame saw Sinner control the pace with a sharp combination of power and precision. His serve was reliable, and his backhand slices kept De Minaur off balance, allowing the Italian to seize the edge early and close the set at 6-3. The pace from the baseline and a few well-timed returns gave Sinner the initiative as he sought to seize momentum from the outset.
Second Set: De Minaur fights back, level set
De Minaur answered back with crisper exchanges and superior aggression, making Sinner chase more balls and pushing the match into a decisive third set. The Australian capitalized on a higher first-serve percentage and converted on important moments, leveling the match with a 6-4 win in the second set. The restart signaled a shift in tempo and tested Sinner’s resolve as he looked to avoid a shock late collapse.
Third Set: A late surge and a cramp scare
The final set told a different story, with Sinner regaining control as he pounced on opportunities and used his serve-and-volley instincts to keep De Minaur off balance. He secured an early break and, despite a scare with a tight right leg, the Italian rededicated himself to the aggressive baseline game and net incursions that have defined his best moments this season. He finished the match with a decisive 6-2 third set, aided by several aces and a relentless focus on finishing points when it mattered most.
Key moments and tactical notes
Throughout the contest, Sinner showed a willingness to vary the rhythm and mix serves with aggressive returns. He produced a series of powerful aces, including his seventh of the match, and used accurate second serves to keep De Minaur guessing. While De Minaur demonstrated resilience by conservation of his serve and several timely winners, Sinner’s ability to shift gears—from heavy baseline exchanges to controlled forays to the net—proved decisive in the third set.
What this means for the Beijing final
With the victory, Sinner confirms his status as one of Beijing’s most consistent performers, reaching a third consecutive final at the tournament. He will face the winner of the Medvedev–Tien semifinal in what promises to be a compelling title decider. If Sinner can sustain his level and manage any lingering physical discomfort, he will again be one of the fiercest contenders on this surface.
