"Peak Carlos Alcaraz is the best player in the world";"WHAT A MATCH" - Fans applaud Spaniard & Jannik Sinner after China Open final thriller

Carlos Alcaraz edged Jannik Sinner 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3) in an electrifying 2024 China Open final, showcasing incredible tennis. Fans were left in awe of the quality, with some stating that the future of tennis is bright with these two leading the way.

When the 2024 season began, Sinner led the head-to-head against Alcaraz 4-3. After they played against each other at the Indian Wells and French Open, the Spaniard took the lead 5-4. He completed a hat-trick over Sinner this year with his latest win in Beijing to lead 6-4.

Sinner was in tremendous form going into the China Open final with a 16-match winning streak, including the Cincinnati Open and US Open titles. The Italian started on a strong note, winning the first set via tie-breaker. This was also the first set Alcaraz lost in Beijing this year.

Alcaraz rallied in the second set to force a decider, and the third set also led to a tense tie-breaker. With Sinner having won 18 of his past 19 tie-breakers, he was seen as the favorite, especially after taking an early 3-0 lead.

However, Alcaraz mounted an incredible comeback, winning seven consecutive points to secure his fourth title of the year.

The 2024 China Open men's singles final's score was posted on Reddit and fans praised the quality of tennis that was on show on the Diamond Court in Beijing.

"You wanted your thriller, folks? You got it," one fan wrote.

"What a roller coaster of quality levels! Nothing much to separate these 2 except Alcaraz spamming GOAT level plays and Sinner’s voodoo-clutch-ability to turn momentum in his favor, hope that a possible long Jannik ban don’t destroy this beautiful rivalry," another fan wrote.

Some fans praised Alcaraz for his ability to get past Sinner.

"That tie-break by Alcaraz is what a lot of athletes call 'the zone,'" one fan wrote.

"WHAT A MATCH!!! When Carlos Alcaraz locks in nobody is beating him," another fan wrote.

Comment byu/pizzainmyshoe from discussion intennis

"Carlitos’s best is THE best, hands down.. Might not be number 1 ranking, but peak Carlitos is the best player in the world," a third fan wrote.

Comment byu/pizzainmyshoe from discussion intennis

"Going 7-3 in the tie-breaks after 0-3. Insane," yet another fan wrote.

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"I never lost hope" - Carlos Alcaraz believed in himself to win third set tie-break against Jannik Sinner in China Open final

Carlos Alcaraz with the 2024 China Open trophy after defeating Jannik Sinner (Image: Getty)

During his post-match interview, Carlos Alcaraz opened up about how difficult it is to win a tie-breaker against Jannik Sinner. The Italian has a great record in tie-breakers but the Spaniard did not lose hope and continued to mount the pressure.

"I never lost hope... Honestly I knew that [when I started it] that every tie-break Jannik plays is almost to his side. I thought that in the third set, I’m not going to lie, 3-love down, two mini breaks for him. So I didn’t lose hope," Carlos Alcaraz said.

After going 0-3 down in the deciding set tie-breaker, Alcaraz won seven consecutive points to win the China Open title. In the process, he became the first player to win an ATP 500 title on all three surfaces.

Up next for World No. 1 Sinner and World No. 3 Alcaraz is the Shanghai Masters. The pair has received a bye in the first round and will start from the second round in less than 48 hours after the entertaining final in Beijing.