China Open Final: Carlos Alcaraz outlasts Jannik Sinner in 3h21m epic to claim Beijing crown
Sunday at National Tennis Center: Alcaraz defeats Sinner 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3) in the longest final in tournament history, winning seven consecutive points in the deciding tiebreak.
Alcaraz def. Sinner 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3); Gauff def. Muchova 6-1, 6-3
Why this one matters: Tennis witnessed the definitive match of 2026 on Diamond Court as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner pushed physical and psychological limits across three hours and 21 minutes of unyielding combat.
Sinner captured a gripping first set in a 70-minute tiebreak, but Alcaraz raised his aggression, breaking in the ninth game of the second set to level the match. In the deciding set, both champions produced world-class defense and explosive shot-making, holding serve through to a dramatic tiebreak. When Sinner sprinted to a 3-0 lead with a blistering mini-break, the title seemed his. Instead, Alcaraz responded with a transcendent seven-point surge, passing Sinner twice at the net and firing a cross-court forehand winner to seal a 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3) triumph.
The victory marks Alcaraz's fourth title of the year and his sixth career win in ten meetings against the world No. 1.
The stakes
The China Open ATP 500 trophy, 500 ranking points in the ATP Race to Turin, and modern tennis supremacy.
The rivalry angle
Alcaraz now leads Sinner 6-4 in their generational rivalry, completing a clean 3-0 sweep of their encounters in 2026.
Players who could decide it
Produced 55 winners and swept seven straight points in the final-set tiebreak to secure the Beijing title.
World No. 1 fought fiercely across three sets, saving break points with clutch serving before succumbing in the final tiebreak.
Did you know?
- !Carlos Alcaraz became the first player in ATP Tour history to win ATP 500 titles across hard, clay, and grass surfaces in the same calendar year.
- !Alcaraz trailed 0-3 in the deciding set tiebreak before reeling off seven consecutive points to seal the championship in three hours and 21 minutes.
- !Jannik Sinner's 15-match winning streak came to an end in the longest men's singles final ever staged at the China Open.
Head to head
Alcaraz leads Sinner 6-4 in their career head-to-head series, having won all three meetings in 2026.
Sources
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