Carlitos Alcaraz pulled off a stunning comeback to claim his first China Open title, outlasting world number one Jannik Sinner in an unforgettable final. The 21-year-old Spanish super star from El Palmar in Murcia, triumphed 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) in a marathon match lasting three hours and twenty one minutes, marking his fourth title of the year and 16th career win.

Alcaraz Turns the Tide in Dramatic Style

After a tense opening set where both players traded breaks, Alcaraz took an early lead but couldn’t close it out. Sinner dug deep to force a tie break, winning it after saving two set points. It was the first set Alcaraz had dropped all week, and Sinner looked to be in control.

But the ‘Murciano’ wasn’t done yet. He fought back in the second set, breaking Sinner to take it 6-4 and level the match. The momentum swung back and forth in the final set, with both players battling through intense rallies and saving multiple break points.

Tie-Break Tension

The match ultimately came down to a tie break in the third set. Sinner, riding a 14-match winning streak, jumped out to a 3-0 lead and seemed destined to claim victory. But Alcaraz had other ideas. He stormed back, winning seven straight points to snatch the win and send the crowd into a frenzy.

‘It was an incredibly close match,’ Alcaraz said afterward. ‘Jannik showed why he’s the best in the world right now, but I’m proud of how I stayed in it and kept fighting.’

CARLITOS ALCARAZ ESTÁ LOCO.pic.twitter.com/dIYPbSI8kV

— Tiempo De Tenis (@Tiempodetenis1) October 2, 2024

A Rivalry for the Ages

Alcaraz’s win not only ends Sinner’s streak but also cements their budding rivalry as one of the most exciting in tennis today. With this victory, Alcaraz now leads their head-to-head battles 6-4 and reclaims his position as world number two, just behind Sinner.

This thrilling final is sure to be remembered as one of the year’s standout matches, with both players showing why they’re the future of the sport.

Image: X/@carlosalcaraz