Carlos Alcaraz continues to prove why he’s one of the brightest stars in tennis. The 21-year-old Spaniard confidently took down Daniil Medvedev in straight sets, booking his spot in the China Open final. Alcaraz, ranked world number three, needed just 88 minutes to secure a 7-5, 6-3 victory, with Medvedev visibly struggling, requiring two medical timeouts for treatment on his left leg.
This win marks Alcaraz’s eighth consecutive triumph following his shock second-round exit at the US Open. Now, he’s set for a much-anticipated showdown against world number one, Jannik Sinner.
Sinner secured his place in the final with a 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) win over Chinese wildcard Bu Yunchaokete. But all eyes are on Sinner, not just for his tennis. The 23-year-old Italian is competing amid controversy after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed a ruling that cleared him of wrongdoing following two positive tests for a banned substance. WADA has called for a suspension of “between one and two years,” contesting the independent tribunal’s decision that found Sinner had “no fault or negligence.”
The issue stems from claims of inadvertent contamination by his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi. Despite the looming appeal, Sinner remains focused, notching his 15th straight win and looking for his seventh ATP title of the year. “Every victory is a great sign,” Sinner said, acknowledging the personal challenges he’s facing.
Alcaraz and Sinner are no strangers to one another, having faced off nine times before. While Sinner triumphed in their last encounter at this very tournament 12 months ago, Alcaraz leads the head-to-head 5-4 after winning both their meetings this year, including a thrilling five-setter at the French Open.
“It’s going to be a tough match,” Sinner admitted. “We know each other so well, but every match is different. I’m just happy to be in the final.”
Other Updates
In other news, Britain’s Dan Evans overcame a tough battle against Australia’s Alex Bolt, winning 6-2, 1-6, 7-5 in the final qualifying round for the Shanghai Masters. Evans, currently ranked 176th in the world, will face Brazil’s Thiago Seyboth Wild in the first round on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Billy Harris, who lost to Beibit Zhukayev 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, gained a lucky loser spot in the first round. He will make his Masters 1000 debut, facing Italy’s Mattia Bellucci. However, fellow Brit Jack Draper withdrew from the tournament due to an abdominal injury.
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Yours truly,
Mia