China Open 2026: Alcaraz powers past Khachanov and Sinner survives Lehecka test in Beijing
World's top two men advance in straight sets to set up tantalizing semifinal weekend at National Tennis Center
Why this one matters
Friday’s quarterfinal action at the China Open brought the tournament to a boiling point as the sport’s two preeminent young champions moved one step closer to an inevitable title showdown in Beijing.
Carlos Alcaraz looked supreme on Diamond Court, dismantling Karen Khachanov 7-5, 6-2 in one hour and 36 minutes. The Spanish four-time Grand Slam champion used his heavy topspin forehand to push Khachanov well behind the baseline, winning 83 percent of his first-serve points and converting four of eight break chances. With 26 winners against just 12 unforced errors, Alcaraz improved his head-to-head record against the Russian to 4-0.
Earlier in the day, defending champion and World No. 1 Jannik Sinner was forced to dig deep before subduing the dangerous Jiri Lehecka 6-2, 7-6(6). After racing through the opening set in 32 minutes, Sinner found himself in a dogfight as Lehecka elevated his first-serve percentage to 78 percent. Sinner trailed 4-6 in the tiebreak, staring down two set points, before reeling off four consecutive points with nerveless baseline striking to claim his 15th straight win.
In the concurrent WTA 1000 draw, Aryna Sabalenka dismantled Madison Keys 6-4, 6-3 to secure her place in the final four, while Coco Gauff progressed into the semifinals following Naomi Osaka’s retirement due to lower-back stiffness. The stage is set for a weekend of monumental drama in the Chinese capital.
Sources
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